Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 71740 - 2027

Location: Columbia County, AR | Metro: Columbia County, AR

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size Monthly FMR
Studio$660
1 Bedroom$710
2 Bedrooms$930
3 Bedrooms$1,140
4 Bedrooms$1,220
5 Bedrooms$1,415
6 Bedrooms$1,585
7 Bedrooms$1,712
8 Bedrooms$1,798

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population
2,100
Median Household Income
$65,455
Housing Units
986
Renter Percentage
18.7%
Occupancy Rate
77.1%
Renter Occupied
142

The market in ZIP code 71740 presents a dynamic landscape that is indicative of ongoing shifts in housing demand and supply. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $900 for the fiscal year 2026, it's clear that the federal government has established a benchmark reflecting the anticipated cost of renting in this area. However, the current market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $719, suggesting that there might be some discrepancy between the government's expectations and the actual rental market conditions.

This gap between the FMR and the actual market rent could point towards either a scenario where the supply of rental units exceeds demand, or an environment where tenants have considerable leverage due to a variety of factors, such as economic conditions or preferences for homeownership over renting. The lack of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) prevents a definitive conclusion, but the lower-than-expected market rent suggests that landlords may need to adjust their pricing to remain competitive.

A notable feature of ZIP 71740 is the 18.7% renter share, which is a critical metric for understanding the long-term pressures on housing. This percentage indicates that nearly one-fifth of the population rents their homes, signaling a persistent demand for rental properties. While this figure alone doesn't provide a complete picture, it does suggest that there is a segment of the population for whom homeownership isn't feasible or desirable, leading to sustained rental market activity.

In summary, ZIP 71740 appears to be a market where the rental sector is experiencing some form of pressure, whether from supply dynamics or tenant bargaining power. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should closely monitor these trends to make informed decisions about their investments and pricing strategies. The presence of a significant renter population underscores the importance of maintaining a robust rental offering to meet the needs of those who choose or must rent their homes.

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.