Location: Pope County, AR | Metro: Pope County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72858 represents a neighborhood characterized by a relatively low population density, with only 3,030 residents. The rental market here is modest, with just 14.6% of the population being renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied community. The median household income in the area stands at $69,760, which is above the national average, suggesting a middle-class demographic. Median home values in ZIP 72858 are notably high at $218,881, reflecting a stable and potentially desirable residential environment.
Transitioning into the economic realities of renting in this ZIP code, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) as set by HUD for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is $980. However, the actual market rent, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, is slightly lower at $945. This indicates that while there is some room for rent increases to align with FMR, the current market is already fairly competitive, with rents close to the government-set benchmark.
Given these conditions, ZIP 72858 would likely appeal to a hands-off voucher operator due to the proximity of market rents to the FMR. Landlords can expect a steady stream of tenants eligible for Section 8 vouchers without having to drastically adjust their pricing. For value-add buyers, the potential for improvement might be limited by the already high median home value and the relatively low proportion of renters. Any significant investment would need to be justified by a detailed analysis of the local real estate market and the ability to attract higher-paying tenants or add substantial value through renovations.
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.