Location: Johnson County, AR | Metro: Johnson 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 | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,796 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,886 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,140 | $193,344 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72830 presents a challenging landscape for renters given the median income stands at $42,416. To put this into perspective, the market rate for rent is $736 according to the Census ACS data. This means that a significant portion of the income—approximately 21%—is dedicated to covering housing costs alone. For context, the general rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30% of a household’s income.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the government for voucher payments is $890 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This represents a substantial gap between the market rate and what voucher holders can expect to pay. The difference of $154 between the FMR and the market rate highlights the financial burden faced by those relying on vouchers to find affordable housing.
With 34.2% of the population being renters and a total population of 15,757, the competition among landlords is likely to be intense. The affordability gap means that many renters are looking for properties where the rent aligns more closely with their income levels, making it difficult for landlords to charge above the market rate without losing potential tenants to lower-cost options.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: while voucher payments are guaranteed, they come with a lower rate compared to the market. Landlords who accept vouchers will need to adjust their expectations regarding rental income. On the other hand, landlords who aim for cash-paying tenants must ensure their rents remain competitive and within reach of the average household income, or risk vacancy rates increasing due to unaffordable pricing.
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.