Location: Stone County, AR | Metro: Cleburne County, AR
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 | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,796 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,886 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $363,924 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape in ZIP code 72044 presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 housing program. One critical issue is tenant turnover, which can be higher when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $880. While the market rent figure is not available, historically, properties renting below market rates often see increased turnover due to tenants seeking better deals elsewhere.
Vacancy exposure is another significant risk. With no data on the days on market (DOM), it's unclear how quickly properties in this area can fill vacancies. However, the typical home value of $325,222 and a median income of $47,213 suggest that many residents may struggle to afford market-rate rents without assistance, potentially leading to longer periods of vacancy if they are not able to secure Section 8 vouchers promptly.
Deferred maintenance is a concern, especially given the relatively high typical home value compared to the median income. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep, as the program requires homes to meet certain standards. The financial strain of maintaining these standards while only receiving $880 per month in rental assistance could be substantial.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 13.5% indicates a robust demand for rental properties, which typically translates into a higher number of voucher holders looking for housing. This demographic characteristic can mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover, as there is a larger pool of potential tenants who qualify for and seek out Section 8 properties.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.