Location: White County, AR | Metro: White County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,404 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,783 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 72082, located in the White County, AR metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the favorable financial metrics associated with the area.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the White County, AR metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $880. In contrast, the current market rent in ZIP 72082 is $744. This creates a spread of $136 per unit, which is a significant margin that landlords can leverage to ensure steady cash flow. The higher FMR compared to the actual market rent means that landlords can benefit from the government's rental assistance program without having to compete with market rates that are already higher.
While data on appreciation potential is limited, with no percentage increase in property values or days on market (DOM) available, the strong renter share and lower median income make it an ideal location for a cash-flow focused investment. With 58.7% of the population renting, there is a consistent demand for rental properties, which is crucial for maintaining occupancy rates and ensuring a reliable source of income. Additionally, the median household income of $31,638 aligns well with the eligibility criteria for Section 8 tenants, who typically have incomes below 50% of the area median income. This further supports the feasibility of attracting qualified tenants through the program.
In summary, ZIP 72082 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the positive spread between the FMR and market rent, high renter share, and median income levels that align with Section 8 tenant requirements.
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.