Location: Hempstead County, AR | Metro: Hempstead County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 71862, located in Hempstead County, AR, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not strongly favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $880 for fiscal year 2026, is slightly above the current market rent of $848 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This indicates that while landlords can aim for the higher FMR, they might face resistance from tenants who expect rents closer to the market rate.
Acquisition affordability in ZIP 71862 presents challenges. The median home value and typical days on the market (DOM) are not available, suggesting limited recent sales data. Additionally, the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts is also unspecified, which could indicate a less active housing market or a lack of comprehensive data. Without these metrics, it's difficult to assess the ease of acquiring properties in this area.
Tenant demand is present but modest. With a total population of 639, the renter share stands at 28.7%, indicating a relatively stable but small pool of potential renters. This suggests that while there are tenants looking for housing, the market size is constrained by the overall population figure.
Verdict: ZIP 71862 offers a niche opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the presence of tenant demand. However, the slight discrepancy between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the lack of detailed acquisition metrics, implies a cautious approach is necessary. Investors should be prepared for potentially lower-than-expected rental income and difficulty in assessing property values accurately.
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.