Location: Van Buren County, 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $203,456 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 72039 presents a nuanced landscape that landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully consider. With a median home value of $196,851, the area offers a baseline for assessing property values. However, the absence of percentage reductions in listings and the median days on market (DOM) data suggest stability in the market, without significant fluctuations indicating either strong seller's or buyer's market conditions.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 72039 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $940, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $1,094. This gap indicates that there is room for rent increases, which could be beneficial for landlords. The higher market rent suggests that tenants are willing to pay above the government-subsidized rates, particularly important for those participating in the Section 8 program. As the FMR is typically adjusted annually based on inflation and other economic factors, it is likely that the subsidy will rise closer to the market rate, improving cash flow for landlords.
Long-term investors must weigh the potential for appreciation against the current market conditions. Given the stable DOM and the lack of significant listing reductions, appreciation in property values may not be substantial over the next 12-24 months. The setup implies a steady state rather than rapid growth, making it a suitable market for those seeking consistent rental income rather than quick capital gains.
To summarize, the median home value, combined with the current rent dynamics, points towards a market where landlords can expect reasonable rental income with limited potential for significant property value appreciation. The disparity between FMR and market rent suggests an environment where rental income can be optimized, aligning well with the goals of long-term investors focused on steady returns.
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.