Location: Vernon Parish, LA | Metro: Vernon Parish, LA
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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,290 | $186,100 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 71446, located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, reveals several key insights into the rental market dynamics and potential investment opportunities.
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,050 per month for the fiscal year 2026, falls below the market's Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), which stands at $1,456. This discrepancy indicates that voucher tenants will only cashflow at the FMR level with premium units. Landlords must ensure their properties meet higher standards to attract these tenants effectively, as the standard voucher amount does not cover the average market rent.
The median home value in ZIP 71446 is $154,292, providing a useful reference point for understanding the local housing market. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we divide the ZORI by the median home value, resulting in a ratio of approximately 1:105. This suggests that the rental income generated from a property would be relatively low compared to its purchase price, making appreciation or stability potentially more attractive angles for investors than cashflow alone.
The data also shows that the median days on market (DOM) is not available for this region, and the percentage of homes that require a price cut is an insignificant 0.1%. These figures indicate a stable housing market with little pressure to reduce asking prices, which can be beneficial for both rental and home ownership investments. However, the lack of DOM data means there is limited insight into how quickly properties are rented out or sold, which could impact the cashflow and liquidity considerations for investors.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 71446 is likely stability, given the low percentage of homes needing price cuts and the absence of significant market fluctuations. While cashflow may be challenging without premium units, the stable housing market offers a reliable environment for long-term investment.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.