Location: Fulton County, AR | Metro: Baxter County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 72531 within the Fulton County, AR metro area reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $920 for fiscal year 2026, which is the benchmark used for determining rental assistance payments under the Section 8 program.
Unfortunately, the specific market rent data for ZIP 72531 is currently unavailable. However, based on the HUD FMR alone, it's possible to infer that voucher tenants would likely cashflow at the FMR rate, assuming typical market conditions where rents are generally close to the FMR. In areas where market rents exceed the FMR, voucher tenants might only cashflow marginally or not at all without premium units that are priced below the FMR.
The median home value in ZIP 72531 stands at $219,792. Using the HUD FMR of $920, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio. This ratio provides insight into the relative affordability of renting versus buying. To derive the annual rent, multiply the monthly FMR by 12, yielding an annual rent of approximately $11,040. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 5%. This suggests that renting in this area is relatively affordable compared to buying, which could influence the decision-making process for potential investors.
Note that the data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, but these metrics typically play a role in assessing the rent-versus-buy dynamics. If such data were available, it would provide additional context regarding the speed and ease of selling homes in the area, which could impact investment decisions.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 72531 appears to be cashflow. With the HUD FMR set at $920, landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect their properties to be financially viable when rented to voucher tenants, assuming the local market rent does not significantly exceed this figure. This makes the area attractive for those looking to generate steady income through Section 8 rentals.
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.