Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 72458 - 2027

Location: Lawrence County, AR | Metro: Lawrence County, AR

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$670
1 Bedroom	$720
2 Bedrooms	$940
3 Bedrooms	$1,230
4 Bedrooms	$1,560
5 Bedrooms	$1,810
6 Bedrooms	$2,027
7 Bedrooms	$2,189
8 Bedrooms	$2,298

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

567

Median Household Income

$63,636

Housing Units

267

Renter Percentage

9.5%

Occupancy Rate

74.9%

Renter Occupied

The median income in ZIP code 72458 stands at $63,636, which places significant constraints on household budgets when it comes to housing costs. At a market rate of $900 per month, renting becomes a challenging expense for many residents. However, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 is $890, which is nearly equivalent to the market rate. This means that households receiving Section 8 vouchers will have little flexibility to pay above the voucher amount, aligning closely with the local rental market.

Affordability: Given the median income, a household would typically allocate around 30% of their income towards rent. This equates to approximately $1,609 per month, based on common affordability guidelines. Therefore, the $900 market rate appears affordable, but only marginally so, leaving little room for other expenses.
Voucher vs. Market Rate: The FMR of $890 is slightly below the market rate of $900, indicating that landlords who accept vouchers might see a slight decrease in monthly rental income compared to those who do not. However, the difference is minimal, suggesting that both strategies could be viable depending on the landlord’s preferences and tenant pool.
Rental Market Dynamics: With only 9.5% of the population being renters and a total population of 567, the rental market in ZIP 72458 is relatively small. This could lead to increased competition among landlords for available tenants, especially those with higher paying potential.

The takeaway for landlords is clear: accepting Section 8 vouchers can ensure steady and reliable income, though it will be slightly lower than the market rate. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the potential for higher income from cash-paying tenants. Given the tight margins for most households, landlords who offer competitive rates and attractive living conditions stand to benefit the most in this market.

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.