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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,824 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,915 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $139,335 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $214,821 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $1,300 | $335,251 | 0.39% | F |
| 5BR | $1,508 | $443,523 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72143 is located in Searcy, Arkansas, a city with a population of approximately 35,000 residents. In this area, 35.0% of the population are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community relies on rental housing. The median household income stands at $58,344, while the median home value is $217,343, reflecting a middle-class neighborhood where homeownership is accessible but not universal.
Moving into the economic dynamics of renting, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $910, which contrasts with the actual market rent of $1,007, as indicated by the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI). This gap suggests that landlords can potentially charge above the subsidized rates, though it also points to the possibility of reduced demand from tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers due to the higher market rents.
Given these conditions, ZIP 72143 may suit a hands-off voucher operator looking for steady, government-backed rental income. However, the difference between the FMR and the ZORI highlights an opportunity for hands-on value-add buyers who can improve properties to meet market expectations and attract tenants willing to pay higher rents. These investors would need to carefully consider the balance between renovation costs and potential increases in rental revenue.
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.