Location: Le Flore County, OK | Metro: Polk 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 | $680 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,915 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $145,078 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,170 | $219,353 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,300 | $291,584 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 71953, which encompasses parts of Mena, AR, and Le Flore County, OK, reveals several key points regarding its viability for rental investments. First, let's address whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $950 for fiscal year 2026, whereas the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $699. This indicates that landlords can expect a gap between the actual market rate and the FMR, suggesting potential for increasing rents to meet the FMR level without significant resistance from tenants.
Regarding the affordability of property acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 71953 is $192,465. With no average days on market (DOM) data available and a very low 0.1% share of homes experiencing price cuts, it suggests that the housing market is stable and that properties are likely selling at or near their asking price. This stability and the relatively low median home value make acquisitions affordable compared to higher-cost markets.
Finally, there is a clear tenant demand in the area. With a total population of 13,415 and a renter share of 19.2%, there are approximately 2,573 renters in ZIP 71953. Given the size of the population and the percentage of renters, there is sufficient demand to support rental properties, ensuring a steady stream of potential tenants.
Based on these factors, ZIP 71953 presents a favorable environment for rental investments. Landlords can reasonably expect to increase rents to align with the FMR, acquire properties at an affordable price point, and find a consistent pool of tenants to occupy their units. However, they should be cautious about setting rents too high initially, as the current market rent is significantly below the FMR. A gradual increase would likely be more effective in attracting and retaining tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.