Location: Lincoln County, AR | Metro: Grant County, AR HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $62,768 | 1.55% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $132,396 | 0.95% | C |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $201,986 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $940 for zip code 71603 in Pine Bluff, AR, for fiscal year 2024, landlords can expect to align their rental pricing with federal guidelines designed to ensure affordability. The Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the area stands at $846, indicating that market rents are slightly below the FMR threshold, which suggests a balanced opportunity for both tenants and property owners. The median home value in Pine Bluff is $98,803, making it an attractive market for first-time buyers and investors looking for affordable entry points. A significant 35.8% of residents are renters, highlighting the robust demand for rental properties in the area. The median income of $53,130 provides insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants, ensuring they can afford the average market rent without overextending their budget. While the days on market (DOM) data is not available, the low price-cut share of 0.2% indicates that homes in Pine Bluff are generally selling at or near their asking price, reflecting a stable and efficient local real estate market.
Investors should note that the discrepancy between the FMR and ZORI figures presents a strategic opportunity to price rentals competitively while still adhering to federal standards. This balance can attract a steady stream of tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance, given the alignment with the $940 FMR. The relatively low median home value and high renter share further support the viability of rental investments in Pine Bluff, especially for those interested in serving the needs of lower-income households. The strong selling power evidenced by the price-cut share figure suggests that properties are likely to be occupied quickly once listed, reducing the risk of vacancy and increasing the potential for consistent cash flow.
Verdict: Pine Bluff, AR, is a solid investment for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors, given the favorable market conditions and the alignment of rental prices with federal guidelines.
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.