Location: Stone County, AR | Metro: Cleburne County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 72530 are significant and must be carefully considered before investing. Tenant turnover is a critical issue, with the market rent sitting at $807 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This disparity suggests that landlords may struggle to retain tenants who can afford the higher FMR but are accustomed to paying the lower market rent.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, although the exact number of days on the market (DOM) is not available. However, given the typical home value of $276,353 and the median income of $66,875, it's reasonable to assume that financial stress among residents could lead to extended periods of vacancy. The cost of deferred maintenance on properties is also a risk factor, especially when the income level of tenants might not cover the expenses associated with keeping the property up to standard.
Despite these challenges, there are mitigating factors that reduce some of the risk. The renter share of the population in ZIP 72530 is 19.7%, which is relatively high. High renter density often translates into a greater demand for housing vouchers, providing a stable source of income for landlords who are willing to participate in the Section 8 program. Additionally, the discrepancy between market rent and FMR indicates that there is room for negotiation and adjustment to ensure that rents align with the financial capabilities of voucher holders.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.