Location: Desha County, AR | Metro: Desha County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 71666 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, especially when comparing the market rent, which is currently unavailable, to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 for FY 2026, based on metro area standards. This discrepancy can lead to financial instability if landlords are unable to adjust their rents to match the FMR.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. With the days on market (DOM) also being unavailable, it's challenging to predict how long properties might remain vacant. Vacancies can be particularly damaging to cash flow, especially if they persist due to a lack of interested tenants or delays in the voucher process.
Deferred maintenance poses a substantial risk. The typical home value and median income figures for the area are not available, making it difficult to gauge the ability of residents to cover maintenance costs. In areas where incomes are lower relative to property values, landlords often face the burden of covering these expenses themselves, which can strain resources and reduce profitability.
However, there is a silver lining in the form of the renter share, which stands at 0.0%. Typically, a higher renter density indicates greater demand for rental housing, including Section 8 vouchers. Despite the lack of specific data on the number of renters, the absence of owner-occupied homes suggests that there may still be a significant unmet need for affordable housing in the area.
Verdict: High risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.