Location: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | Metro: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA
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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,039 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,676 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,860 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,570 | $228,890 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $2,170 | $314,384 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,620 | $413,006 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 72730, located in Farmington, AR, within the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Family Monthly Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $1280, significantly lower than the market median monthly rent of $1,718. This creates a spread of $438 per month, which can be leveraged to ensure steady and predictable cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 72730 is $336,570, indicating that properties are relatively affordable. This affordability supports the viability of Section 8 tenants who often have limited financial resources. Landlords can secure properties at reasonable prices and benefit from the government-subsidized rents without worrying about the volatility associated with higher-priced markets.
While ZIP 72730 does offer some potential for appreciation, given the low price-cut share and stable market conditions, the primary strategic advantage lies in its role as a cash-flow anchor. The diversifier aspect is less compelling due to the high median income, which may limit the number of eligible Section 8 tenants. Therefore, focusing on the cash-flow benefits provides a solid foundation for any Section 8 portfolio strategy in this region.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.