Location: Vernon Parish, LA | Metro: Vernon Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,915 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 71461, located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, presents a unique opportunity for Section 8 real-estate investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $1,050 per month for FY 2026, while the Census ACS reports the market rent at $817. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR, providing a stable income stream for landlords.
To further analyze the market, consider the median home value in ZIP 71461, which stands at $105,356. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.09%, suggesting that rental properties are undervalued relative to their purchase price. This makes the area attractive for buy-and-rent strategies.
Regarding the real estate market, Zillow lists 10 homes for sale in ZIP 71461, indicating a relatively quiet market. However, the data does not provide the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price cuts, making it difficult to assess the exact dynamics between buying and renting. Nonetheless, the consistent gap between FMR and market rent suggests that landlords can expect positive cash flow without relying on premium units.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 71461 is cashflow, given the favorable difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, ensuring steady returns on investment.
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.