Location: Stone County, AR | Metro: Izard County, AR
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $920 | $200,593 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $246,405 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $309,663 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for the Section 8 program in ZIP code 72560, centered around Mountain View, Arkansas, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $880, while the Census ACS data indicates that the current market rent stands at $632. This creates a gap of $248, which translates into a 36.4% difference between what voucher holders can pay and the prevailing market rate.
Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, properties in ZIP 72560 can be attractive investments for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maximize yields. Voucher tenants provide a guaranteed source of income, backed by the government, ensuring a steady cash flow. In an environment where only 27.6% of residents are renters, securing a tenant through the Section 8 program can be particularly advantageous. The median home value in the area is $213,062, indicating a mix of homeownership and rental properties, but the median income of $37,134 suggests that many residents rely on assistance programs like Section 8 to afford housing.
The discrepancy between FMR and market rent means that landlords can potentially earn more per unit by participating in the Section 8 program than they might in the open market. However, this also implies that landlords must manage their properties to meet the standards required by the program, which can involve additional costs and maintenance responsibilities. Despite these considerations, the financial incentive of receiving $880 for units that would otherwise rent for $632 makes this a compelling strategy for maximizing returns in Mountain View, AR.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.