Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 72801 - 2027

Location: Pope County, AR | Metro: Pope County, AR

Investment Score for ZIP 72801

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$920

Median Price (2BR)

$130,517

1% Rule

0.7%

Annual Yield

8.46%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$650
1 Bedroom	$700
2 Bedrooms	$920
3 Bedrooms	$1,240
4 Bedrooms	$1,240
5 Bedrooms	$1,438
6 Bedrooms	$1,611
7 Bedrooms	$1,740
8 Bedrooms	$1,827

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$920	$130,517	0.7%	D
3BR	$1,240	$184,731	0.67%	D
4BR	$1,240	$291,472	0.43%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

19,019

Median Household Income

$47,830

Housing Units

7,443

Renter Percentage

54.1%

Occupancy Rate

87.4%

Renter Occupied

3,521

Russellville, located in ZIP code 72801, is a growing city in Pope County, Arkansas, offering a blend of rural charm and urban amenities. The area is known for its strong sense of community and has seen steady economic growth over recent years, making it an attractive location for both residents and investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $910, indicating a stable housing market with moderate rental rates.
The market rent, as measured by Zillow's Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $843, which is slightly below the FMR but still competitive and suggests a balanced demand for rental properties.
The median home value in Russellville is $172,372, reflecting a relatively affordable market for homeownership that could attract first-time buyers and families.
Renters make up a significant portion of the local population, with a 54.1% renter share, underscoring the importance of rental properties in the area and providing a solid foundation for investment opportunities.
While the days on market (DOM) for properties is not available, the combination of a moderate rental rate and a high renter share suggests a robust rental market with good potential for occupancy.
The median household income in the area is $47,830, which, although modest, aligns well with the local cost of living and supports the demand for affordable housing options.

The analysis of these key metrics reveals a promising market for landlords and small-portfolio investors in Russellville. With a substantial renter share and rental rates that are both reasonable and reflective of the area's economic conditions, there is a clear opportunity to generate steady returns. The median home value also points to an affordable market that could attract new residents, further supporting the rental sector. Despite the lack of specific days on market data, the overall economic indicators suggest a stable and growing local economy, which bodes well for the continued success of rental investments in the area.

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.