Location: Tensas Parish, LA | Metro: Tensas Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 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)
Households in ZIP code 71375, with a median income of $24,231, face significant challenges in affording the market rate rent of $469 (as reported by the Census ACS). This market rate, while below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard of $830 set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026, still represents a considerable portion of the average income. To put this into perspective, the $469 market rate rent would consume approximately 20% of the median household income, which is already stretched thin.
The disparity between the median income and the FMR standard highlights a substantial affordability gap. The median income is less than half of what would be required to comfortably cover the FMR rent without financial strain. This means that many renters in this area likely struggle to find housing that meets their needs at the market rate, let alone at the FMR level.
With only 19.9% of the 1,108 population being renters, competition among landlords in this ZIP code is relatively low. However, the limited number of renters means that landlords must cater to the financial constraints of these potential tenants to ensure occupancy. Given the income levels and the high cost of FMR compared to the median income, landlords should consider the benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: accepting Section 8 vouchers can provide a stable source of rental income, especially in an area where the affordability gap is so pronounced. While vouchers might offer a lower rent amount than the market rate, they guarantee timely payments and reduce the risk of vacancies in a market with a smaller pool of potential renters. Landlords who focus on cash-paying tenants might find themselves competing in a niche market, potentially leading to longer vacancy periods and higher turnover costs.
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.