Location: Scott County, AR | Metro: Scott County, AR
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 72958 is situated in a rural neighborhood characterized by a modest population of 6,948 residents, where 25.5% of the households are renters. The median income in this area stands at $42,221, indicating a community that is largely middle-class but with limited disposable income. The median home value of $137,667 suggests that homeownership is relatively affordable compared to more urbanized areas.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 72958 is set at $880 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the current market rent of $728 based on Census ACS data. This gap highlights an opportunity for landlords and investors who can leverage the higher FMR to attract tenants eligible for Section 8 vouchers, thereby ensuring a steady stream of rental income.
Given these conditions, ZIP 72958 is well-suited for a hands-off voucher operator due to the existing demand for subsidized housing and the potential to secure tenants through the Section 8 program. However, for a hands-on value-add buyer, there is also room to improve properties and increase rents closer to the FMR, thus benefiting from the discrepancy between the market rent and the FMR. This strategy could be particularly effective if the investor targets improvements that would appeal to voucher holders seeking better living conditions without exceeding their budget constraints.
In summary, the demographic and economic profile of ZIP 72958 makes it a viable investment option for both hands-off operators relying on the Section 8 program and hands-on buyers looking to add value to their properties. The current lower market rents present a unique opportunity to capitalize on the higher FMRs associated with the program.
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.