Location: White County, AR | Metro: Independence 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 | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,546 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,190 | $190,896 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 72081 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) rates set by HUD (Housing and Urban Development), which are specific to this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 72081, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is set at $880. This rate is higher than the local market rent, which averages $808 according to the latest Census ACS data.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program will receive payments from the Housing Authority based on the SAFMR rate, but these payments are not direct equivalents to the market rent. Instead, the reimbursement is calculated after taking into account the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances. Here’s a breakdown:
The total reimbursement a landlord receives is the sum of the tenant's portion and the utility allowance, up to the SAFMR rate. In ZIP 72081, this means the landlord could expect a reimbursement of around $440 ($240 tenant portion + $200 utility allowance). However, since the SAFMR rate is $880, the landlord will be reimbursed the entire $880 if the tenant's portion plus utility allowance does not exceed this amount.
Given that the local market rent is $808, the landlord in ZIP 72081 would not face a significant reimbursement gap. In fact, the reimbursement under the Section 8 program would typically cover the entire market rent, leaving a surplus of about $72 per month ($880 - $808).
This surplus can be seen as an incentive for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program, as it ensures a steady stream of rental income that exceeds the local market rate. It is important to note that the actual reimbursement amounts can vary slightly based on the exact income of the tenant and the specific utility costs, but the overall trend indicates a positive financial outcome for landlords in this ZIP code.
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.