Location: Independence County, AR | Metro: Independence County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,438 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,611 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,827 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72526 is located in a rural area of Arkansas, characterized by a small population of 158 residents. The community reflects a modest scale with a quarter of its residents being renters, indicating a mixed housing market where both homeownership and rental coexist. The median income for this area stands at $63,333, which suggests a middle-class living standard, though without a median home value, it's challenging to gauge how this income translates into housing costs.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 72526 is set at $900 for the fiscal year 2026, based on metro standards. This figure represents the benchmark for rental prices supported by the Section 8 program, which is critical for understanding the financial viability of rental properties in this region. However, the absence of reported market rent data makes it difficult to compare the FMR against actual local rental prices, leaving some uncertainty about the alignment between government support levels and the local rental market.
Given the limited data available, ZIP 72526 appears to be more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low population density and the lack of detailed market rent information suggest a stable but less dynamic rental environment. For an investor focused on steady cash flow with minimal management effort, relying on the Section 8 voucher program can provide consistent returns. Conversely, for those seeking opportunities to actively improve property values and rents through renovations or other interventions, the current data indicate fewer such opportunities in this area.
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.