Location: Clay County, AR | Metro: Clay County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 72454 in the Clay County, AR metro area reveals several key insights. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is set at $940. In contrast, the market rent based on Census ACS data stands at $739. This means that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the FMR rate, providing a clear advantage for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 72454, which is $125,648. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.67%, indicating a relatively low cost to own compared to renting. This metric suggests that the buy versus rent dynamic favors owning a property in this area, particularly for those who can leverage the higher FMR rates offered by vouchers.
The days on market (DOM) for the area is not applicable (N/A), and the percentage of homes that require price cuts is a negligible 0.1%. These factors point towards a stable housing market where properties are likely to sell without significant discounts, supporting the idea of long-term investment stability.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 72454 is cashflow. Given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, landlords can expect positive cashflow from voucher tenants, making it an attractive option for those focused on generating 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.