Location: White 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 | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,427 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,726 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,812 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $246,901 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 72121 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) which is set at $880 for a two-bedroom apartment for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is higher than the local market rent, which according to the Census ACS, averages at $846.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program will receive payments based on the SAFMR rather than the local market rent. However, the total amount received from the voucher is not simply the SAFMR. It includes the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances.
The tenant's portion is typically calculated as 30% of their adjusted monthly income. If a tenant in ZIP 72121 earns an income that places them at the average for the area, their contribution would be around $254, assuming an average income of approximately $846 per month. This calculation ensures that the tenant pays a fair share based on their financial situation.
In addition to the tenant's portion, landlords also receive utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally cover electricity, gas, water, and sewage. For ZIP 72121, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment might be around $200, though this can fluctuate depending on the specifics of the voucher and the tenant's needs.
To calculate the total reimbursement a landlord receives from a Section 8 voucher, you add the tenant's portion ($254) to the utility allowance ($200), resulting in a total of $454. Subtracting this from the SAFMR of $880, the government subsidy portion would be $426. Therefore, the landlord would receive $880 in total: $454 from the tenant and the government subsidy combined.
Given that the local market rent is $846, a landlord participating in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment would see a surplus of $34 over the market rate. This surplus represents the additional income a landlord can expect when renting to a Section 8 tenant compared to the average local market rent.
Note that the SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it is tailored to reflect the rental market conditions within 72121. This localized approach aims to ensure that the subsidy matches the actual cost of renting in the area, providing both affordability for tenants and a fair deal for landlords.
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.