Location: Phillips County, AR | Metro: Desha County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental landscape in ZIP code 72328 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Given the limited data available, where both the median income and the market rate are marked as N/A, it's crucial to rely on other metrics such as the Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is set at $880, which serves as a benchmark for voucher payments.
With a total population of 73 and no reported percentage of renters, the competition among landlords in ZIP 72328 is likely minimal. This suggests that there is less pressure from peers to lower rents or offer incentives to attract tenants. However, the scarcity of data points to a potentially small and specialized rental market, possibly dominated by seasonal or vacation rentals rather than permanent housing solutions.
The affordability gap in this context is significant due to the lack of median income data. Without knowing the average income of residents, it's difficult to assess whether households can afford the market rate or even the voucher payment standard of $880. Landlords should consider diversifying their tenant acquisition strategies, focusing not only on traditional renters but also on potential voucher recipients who might be able to cover the FMR.
For landlords contemplating between voucher and cash-pay strategies, the key takeaway is to leverage the HUD FMR as a reliable indicator for setting rents. Given the low competition, landlords have the flexibility to adjust their pricing and terms around the $880 mark. Engaging with local housing authorities to understand the demand for vouchers could provide a strategic advantage in securing steady, government-backed rental income.
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.