Location: Pope County, AR | Metro: Pope 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,320 | $225,832 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of Section 8 real estate in ZIP code 72837 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD and the actual market rent. The FMR for a one-bedroom apartment in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is $970, while the market rent, based on Census ACS data, is $884. This creates a $86 difference, or approximately 9.8%, where FMR exceeds market rent.
This scenario makes ZIP 72837 a prime yield play for voucher tenants. Landlords can expect to receive a higher rent through the Section 8 program than what they would typically get in the open market. Given that only 17.5% of residents are renters, there is a smaller pool of potential tenants, making the reliability of government-backed vouchers particularly attractive. Additionally, with a median home value of $216,317 and a median income of $53,833, the economic profile suggests that many residents might struggle to afford higher rents, further justifying the attractiveness of Section 8 units.
The cost of housing voucher tenants below open-market rates is minimal since the FMR is designed to ensure that rents are affordable yet sufficient to cover operational costs. Landlords should focus on the stability and security that comes with renting to Section 8 tenants, as it provides a steady stream of income without the risks associated with traditional market fluctuations. The analysis anchors in the context of a ZIP code with a limited rental population and moderate income levels, indicating that Section 8 can serve as a valuable tool for maintaining occupancy rates and financial predictability.
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.