Location: Drew County, AR | Metro: Ashley County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
880 FMR (metro FY 2026) sets a benchmark for rental properties in ZIP 71646, indicating that units priced at this level or below are eligible for Section 8 subsidies. 642 market rent (Census ACS) shows that the average rent in this area is significantly lower than the FMR, suggesting a potential opportunity for landlords to attract tenants through the Section 8 program. 101,433 median home value reflects a stable housing market, which can be beneficial for long-term investments. 25.4% renter share highlights that a quarter of the population in ZIP 71646 rents their homes, providing a clear indication of the demand for rental properties. 40,823 median income suggests that many residents may require financial assistance to cover housing costs, making the Section 8 program particularly relevant. Despite the N/A-day DOM and N/A% price-cut share, which indicate incomplete data on days on market and price-cutting trends, the overall economic indicators point to a viable investment environment. The low market rent compared to the FMR, combined with a significant portion of renters needing financial aid, makes ZIP 71646 a suitable location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to participate in the Section 8 program.
The discrepancy between the 880 FMR and the 642 market rent underscores the potential for landlords to offer competitive rates while still qualifying for government subsidies. This can help ensure steady occupancy rates and predictable cash flows, key considerations for small-portfolio investors. Moreover, the 101,433 median home value indicates that property values are relatively stable, reducing the risk of sudden drops in asset value. The 25.4% renter share further supports the idea that there is a substantial base of potential tenants who might benefit from the Section 8 program. Lastly, the 40,823 median income figure suggests that many residents are likely to qualify for assistance, thereby increasing the pool of eligible tenants.
Given these factors, the Section 8 program presents a solid investment strategy for landlords in ZIP 71646, offering a way to tap into a reliable tenant market while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines on affordable housing.
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.