Location: Polk County, AR | Metro: Howard County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,427 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,726 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,812 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 71973 within the Polk County, AR metro area reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro scope, effective in fiscal year 2026, is set at $880. This figure is significantly higher than the market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $629. This difference indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a strong financial benefit to landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The median home value for ZIP 71973 is not available, which makes it challenging to derive a precise rent-to-price ratio. However, the lack of a median home value suggests that the rental market is likely more prominent than the homeownership market, potentially influencing the rent-vs-buy dynamics in favor of renting. With the FMR exceeding the market rent, landlords can expect to attract tenants who are financially supported by the government, reducing the risk of vacancy and delinquency.
The Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts are also not available for this ZIP code. Nonetheless, these factors typically impact the buy-versus-rent decision. Given the current data, the focus should be on the rental market where the FMR provides a substantial cushion above the market rent, ensuring positive cashflow for investors.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 71973 is cashflow due to the significant gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent.
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.