Location: Van Buren County, AR | Metro: Searcy County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 72645 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $880 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 contrasts sharply with the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at just $405. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to charge rents that cover their costs, let alone generate profit.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $176,918. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts indicates that there might be inefficiencies or limited transparency in the local real estate market. Landlords should proceed with caution, considering these factors could affect their ability to sell properties quickly or at full asking price if needed.
Tenant demand in ZIP 72645 is relatively low, with only 1,306 residents and a renter share of 21.7%. This implies that there are fewer potential tenants available compared to areas with higher renter shares, potentially making it harder to fill units and maintain consistent occupancy rates.
Verdict: While the acquisition cost appears reasonable, the unfavorable rent math and low tenant demand make ZIP 72645 a challenging investment location for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The gap between the FMR and the actual market rent is significant, indicating that landlords will have difficulty covering expenses without substantial subsidies or rent increases. Additionally, the limited number of renters in the area suggests that competition for tenants will be fierce, possibly leading to reduced rental income. Therefore, investments in this ZIP code should be approached with careful consideration and likely require a detailed local market analysis to uncover any overlooked opportunities or risks.
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.