Location: Fort Smith, AR | Metro: Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72955 is situated in a small community with a total population of 719. Only 15.7% of residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied area. The median income and median home value data are currently unavailable, which suggests a need for further research to fully understand the economic profile of the area.
Turning to the rent economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $900. This figure represents the benchmark used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine rental assistance payments under the Section 8 program. However, the actual market rent for the area is also not available, making it challenging to assess how competitive the FMR is relative to what tenants might otherwise pay.
Given the low percentage of renters and the limited data on income and home values, 72955 would likely be better suited for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. With only a small portion of the population renting, there is less demand for rental properties, and the opportunity for active property management or renovations aimed at increasing rental income is diminished. The hands-off approach allows investors to focus on properties that can be rented at or near the FMR without the need for extensive market analysis or tenant turnover.
In conclusion, while 72955 offers a stable investment opportunity through the Section 8 program with a clear FMR of $900, the lack of detailed economic data and the low rental population suggest a conservative strategy focused on steady returns rather than aggressive growth or value enhancement. For landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to avoid high-risk investments and manage their properties with minimal involvement, this ZIP code presents a viable option.
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.