Location: Vernon Parish, LA | Metro: Sabine Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 71429, located in Vernon Parish, LA, reveals several key points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider before making investment decisions.
The rent math does not work in favor of landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,050 for fiscal year 2026, is higher than the actual market rent of $904. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to charge the FMR due to the lower willingness of tenants to pay higher rents based on current market conditions.
Acquisition affordability is a mixed bag. With a median home value of $188,219, purchasing properties in this ZIP code is relatively inexpensive compared to other areas. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts indicates uncertainty about how quickly homes can be sold and whether they will sell at full asking price. This ambiguity could pose risks for investors looking to turn their investments quickly.
Tenant demand is modest. The ZIP code has a total population of 2,849, with only 16.4% of residents being renters. This low renter share means that the pool of potential tenants is limited, which could make it challenging to fill vacancies and maintain consistent rental income.
In conclusion, while the median home value makes property acquisition in ZIP 71429 affordable, the mismatch between the FMR and the actual market rent, along with the limited tenant demand, suggests that the area may not be an optimal investment for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking high returns. The risks associated with slower sales and lower occupancy rates outweigh the benefits of lower property 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.