Location: Pike County, AR | Metro: Howard County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To classify ZIP code 71971, we must consider both yield and stability metrics. The yield can be measured by comparing the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $950 to the median home value of $208,385. This suggests a rental market that offers decent returns on investment for properties valued at this level. However, the lack of market rent data indicates that the FMR may be the primary benchmark for rental pricing in this area.
On the stability axis, we observe a rental rate of 25.7%, which is significant but does not necessarily indicate instability. The absence of data on days on market (DOM) means we cannot assess how quickly properties are rented out. Income levels at $73,413 suggest that residents have sufficient financial capacity to meet their rental obligations, contributing positively to the stability of the rental market.
The classification of ZIP 71971 hinges on the balance between these yield and stability indicators. With an FMR of $950 and a home value of $208,385, the potential yield is moderate. Assuming a typical mortgage rate and property tax, a landlord could expect a reasonable cash-on-cash return. The stability factor, however, is somewhat mixed due to the limited data available. A 25.7% rental rate is not unusually high and can be sustainable if coupled with low vacancy rates, which we cannot confirm without DOM data.
Given the specific figures, ZIP 71971 appears to be a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability market. The moderate rental rates combined with adequate income levels support this conclusion. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find a stable environment for generating consistent rental income, though they may need to conduct further local research to fully understand the rental dynamics and ensure long-term tenant retention.
Note: To provide a more accurate analysis, additional data points such as market rent and days on market would be beneficial. These figures were derived from the Fair Market Rent of $950 for the fiscal year 2026, a median home value of $208,385, and an average income of $73,413.
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.