Location: Avoyelles Parish, LA | Metro: Avoyelles Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $620 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A household in ZIP code 71350, with a median income of $50,000, faces significant challenges in affording the market rate rent of $597 per month, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This market rate is already a stretch for many residents, given their income levels. However, the situation becomes even more critical when compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set at $830 for metro areas in fiscal year 2026.
The disparity between the median income and both the market rate and FMR indicates a substantial affordability gap for renters. With only 24.5% of the 4,774 population being renters, competition among landlords for these tenants is likely to be fierce. Landlords must consider how this gap affects their rental strategy, particularly when deciding whether to accept Section 8 vouchers or focus on cash-paying tenants.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: accepting Section 8 vouchers can provide a steady stream of reliable tenants, albeit at a lower payment rate than the FMR. However, the high demand for affordable housing means that landlords who accept vouchers could fill vacancies faster and maintain consistent occupancy rates. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants might yield higher monthly rents but comes with the risk of prolonged vacancies due to the limited number of households capable of paying above the median income level.
In summary, while the market rate of $597 is already challenging for the average resident, the FMR of $830 is beyond the reach of most households in ZIP 71350. This context suggests that landlords should weigh the benefits of voucher acceptance against the potential for higher rents from cash-paying tenants, considering the local economic realities and the competitive landscape.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.