Location: Pope County, AR | Metro: Johnson County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,796 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,886 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72839 presents several challenges for potential Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. Firstly, the tenant turnover rate can be significantly higher when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $880 for fiscal year 2026, which is set for the metro area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might seek better deals elsewhere, leading to increased churn.
Vacancy exposure is another concern due to the lack of data on the average days on market (DOM). Without this information, it's difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies, which could impact cash flow negatively.
Deferred maintenance exposure is also a significant risk factor. With a median household income of $48,750 and no data available on the typical home value, there is uncertainty about the financial capacity of residents to cover any additional maintenance costs beyond regular rent payments. This could leave landlords responsible for a larger-than-expected portion of upkeep expenses.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 13.3%. A higher proportion of renters typically indicates a greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income. The presence of voucher holders can mitigate some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and vacancy periods, as these individuals have government assistance to help cover their rent.
In conclusion, despite the uncertainties regarding market rent, days on market, and home values, the strong presence of voucher holders in ZIP 72839 makes the overall risk moderate for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.