Location: Newton County, AR | Metro: Boone 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 | $630 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $225,279 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72601, located within the Newton County, AR metro, presents a unique snapshot when compared against typical ZIP codes within the same county. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $880 for fiscal year 2026, it stands slightly above the market rent figure of $733, indicating a modest premium on rental properties. The home value in 72601 is pegged at $227,938, which is a key metric for understanding the overall property value within the area.
A notable aspect of ZIP 72601 is its 30.8% renter share, which suggests a significant portion of residents are renters rather than homeowners. This can be an important consideration for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter or expand within the Newton County, AR market. Typically, higher renter shares indicate areas where rental demand is strong, which could translate into steady tenant interest and potentially lower vacancy rates.
When inferring the market position of ZIP 72601 within the Newton County, AR metro, the combination of a slightly elevated FMR and a below-metro average home value points towards a value pocket scenario. Value pockets are characterized by relatively affordable home values but still offer competitive rental opportunities, making them attractive for investment due to the balance between cost and potential return.
The divergence between the rental market and home values in 72601, where the FMR is higher than the market rent but the home values are lower than the typical metro ZIP codes, can indeed signal a sweet spot for Section 8 investments. Higher renter shares coupled with lower home values suggest that there might be a substantial number of tenants eligible for Section 8 subsidies, who can afford to pay the higher FMR without pushing the home values up significantly. This scenario is particularly favorable for investors interested in government-subsidized housing programs.
In summary, ZIP 72601 appears to be a value pocket within the Newton County, AR metro, offering a blend of affordability and potential for rental income. Its specific metrics—$880 FMR, $733 market rent, $227,938 home value, and 30.8% renter share—highlight its attractiveness for Section 8-focused real estate investments.
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.