Location: Alexandria, LA | Metro: Alexandria, LA MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $126,722 | 0.92% | C |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $174,767 | 0.9% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 71405, Ball, Louisiana, is set at $980 per month for the fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing assistance, which is the amount the government will pay toward your tenant's rent. It does not reflect the total rent you can charge; rather, it's the maximum amount that the housing authority will contribute.
To put this into perspective, the average market rent in ZIP 71405 is $1,372 per month, according to the latest Census American Community Survey data. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can potentially charge a higher rent, but the excess must be paid by the tenant. The difference between the FMR and the market rent is the portion the tenant would cover on their own.
The demand for rental properties in Ball is strong, with 18.0% of residents being renters. This indicates a steady pool of potential tenants who might qualify for Section 8 assistance, ensuring a consistent stream of applicants. However, it also means that competition among landlords could be high, so it's important to ensure your property meets the necessary standards to attract these tenants.
If you're looking to acquire a property in this area, the median home value is around $166,827. This figure provides a baseline for understanding the typical investment required to enter the market in ZIP 71405. Keep in mind that the actual price may vary based on the condition, size, and location of the property.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental property, one critical step is to verify that the property complies with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet HQS can result in disqualification from the program, so it's essential to have your property inspected and make any necessary repairs prior to application.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.