Location: Fulton County, AR | Metro: Baxter County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,796 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,886 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72538, located within the Fulton County, AR metro area, has a Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $910 for fiscal year 2026. This figure serves as a key indicator of the rental market dynamics in this region. However, it's important to note that the market rent and home values for this specific ZIP code are currently not available, which limits a comprehensive comparison against typical ZIP codes in Fulton County, AR.
The FMR is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine the maximum amount of rent that a property owner can charge for a unit under the Section 8 program. An FMR of $910 suggests that the rental costs for properties in ZIP 72538 are relatively low compared to other areas within the metro. This could indicate that 72538 is either a value pocket or a mid-tier neighborhood, given the absence of higher market rents and home values.
A notable feature of ZIP 72538 is its 0.0% renter share, meaning that none of the households in this area rent their homes. This contrasts sharply with the typical scenario in many ZIP codes where a significant portion of residents are renters. The lack of renters could suggest that the housing market here is predominantly owner-occupied, possibly due to lower property values or other factors influencing homeownership rates.
While we cannot definitively categorize 72538 as a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market without additional data on market rents and home values, the low FMR and zero renter share do point towards an area that may not attract a large number of Section 8 tenants. For landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for opportunities within the Section 8 program, ZIP 72538 might present challenges due to its unique composition.
To make a more informed decision about investing in this ZIP code, further research into local economic conditions, employment rates, and demographic trends would be advisable. Additionally, understanding why the renter share is at 0.0% could provide insights into the potential for future changes in the housing market dynamics.
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.