Location: Arkansas County, AR | Metro: Arkansas County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 72003 within the Arkansas County, AR metro area reveals several key points that will impact investment decisions. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, effective in fiscal year 2026, is set at $990. This figure represents the maximum amount landlords can charge for a voucher tenant under the Section 8 program.
However, the current market rent data for ZIP 72003 is unavailable, which complicates direct comparisons. Given the absence of market rent figures, it's critical to consider the broader economic context of the region to understand how the HUD FMR might fare against typical rental prices. If the HUD FMR aligns closely with the average market rent, voucher tenants would likely cashflow at this rate, meaning the rent covers operational costs without significant profit margins.
The median home value in the area is also not provided, making it difficult to calculate an exact rent-to-price ratio. This ratio is crucial for investors as it indicates the relative affordability of renting versus buying. Without this information, we must rely on other metrics to gauge the attractiveness of the rental market.
In terms of days on market (DOM) and price cut shares, these figures are also missing. These statistics help investors understand how quickly properties sell and at what discount, which can influence decisions on whether to invest in rental or residential property. For instance, a high DOM might suggest a sluggish housing market, while frequent price cuts could indicate oversupply or weak demand.
Despite these gaps in data, the stability of the HUD FMR provides a reliable income stream for landlords, especially in areas where market rents are volatile or uncertain. Stability is often the strongest investor angle in ZIP 72003, given the predictable nature of the Section 8 program and the guaranteed payment from the government, even if appreciation or high cash flow opportunities are limited.
Investors should focus on stability as the primary angle for success in ZIP 72003.
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.