Location: Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | Metro: Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,070 | $162,432 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $249,811 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $383,859 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $2,007 | $548,826 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 72019 (Benton, AR) on the axes of yield and stability reveals it to be a moderate cash flow opportunity with some considerations regarding stability.
On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,100, which is notably lower than the market rent of $1,555. This suggests that there is potential for higher-than-average rental yields if properties can be leased at or near market rates. However, the median home value of $293,173 indicates that purchasing properties in this area comes at a higher cost compared to the FMR, which could affect overall profitability depending on the purchase price and financing terms.
Moving to the stability axis, ZIP 72019 has a relatively low percentage of renters at 25.1%, indicating that homeownership is prevalent. The days on market (DOM) average of 51 days suggests that while rental units are moving reasonably quickly, they may not be in high demand. Additionally, the median household income of $87,869 provides insight into the economic health of the area; it is a middle-income level that supports the ability to pay market rents but also leaves room for financial strain during economic downturns.
To summarize, ZIP 72019 offers a scenario where landlords and small-portfolio investors can achieve moderate cash flow opportunities by leveraging the gap between FMR and market rents. However, the lower renter percentage and median income levels imply that the market may experience fluctuations in demand, making it less stable than other areas. Therefore, this market is best classified as a balance between high-yield and steady-cashflow, leaning towards a moderate cash flow opportunity with stability concerns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.