Location: Cleveland County, AR | Metro: Bradley County, AR
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 | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,100 | $131,668 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 71671 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount For Moderate Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $810. This figure is crucial because it represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards the rent subsidy for a two-bedroom unit in this area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom apartment, according to the Census ACS, is $704. This lower market rent suggests that landlords might find themselves in a position where they receive less than the full SAFMR amount if their rental rates exceed the average market price.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between what a tenant can afford and the rent of the unit. Specifically, the tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income. If we assume an average adjusted income for a household in this area, the tenant would be responsible for paying around 30% of that income towards rent.
Beyond the base rent, there are utility allowances which are additional payments made directly to the landlord. These allowances vary but are generally intended to cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage. For ZIP 71671, these allowances are included in the SAFMR calculation, meaning they do not increase the total reimbursement beyond $810.
To illustrate, let's say a landlord charges $810 for a two-bedroom unit. The housing authority would pay the difference between the tenant's 30% contribution and the $810, up to the maximum SAFMR. If the tenant's portion is $210 (based on an assumed adjusted income), then the housing authority would cover the remaining $600.
However, if the landlord sets the rent at $900, the housing authority still only reimburses up to $810. In this case, the landlord would have to decide whether to accept the lower reimbursement or not participate in the program. Given the local market rent is $704, setting a higher rent could lead to a surplus for landlords who are willing to charge above the market rate but not exceed the SAFMR.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 71671 should expect the SAFMR of $810 to cover most of the rental costs, minus the tenant's portion and any applicable utility allowances. With the local market rent at $704, landlords may find themselves with a surplus if they charge closer to the SAFMR, or they may need to adjust their rents to match the market to ensure full occupancy.
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.