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Zip Codes in Louisiana Where Section 8 Pays More Than Market Rent

16 of the 109 Louisiana ZIP codes with data show a FY2026 voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent, topping out at +48%. Market rents as of June 2026.

Louisiana premium ZIP codes, ranked

#ZIPLocationVoucher rent (2BR)Voucher rent (3BR)Typical market rentPremiumBasis
171109ShreveportCaddo Parish$1,111$1,458$749+48%County FMRAnalyze deal
270815Baton RougeEast Baton Rouge Parish$1,204$1,511$942+28%County FMRAnalyze deal
371292West MonroeOuachita Parish$1,026$1,319$824+25%County FMRAnalyze deal
470805Baton RougeEast Baton Rouge Parish$1,204$1,511$977+23%County FMRAnalyze deal
570529DusonLafayette Parish$1,019$1,301$850+20%County FMRAnalyze deal
670601Lake CharlesCalcasieu Parish$1,217$1,459$1,018+20%County FMRAnalyze deal
771108ShreveportCaddo Parish$1,111$1,458$962+16%County FMRAnalyze deal
871101ShreveportCaddo Parish$1,111$1,458$985+13%County FMRAnalyze deal
970816Baton RougeEast Baton Rouge Parish$1,204$1,511$1,093+10%County FMRAnalyze deal
1070058HarveyJefferson Parish$1,331$1,701$1,212+10%County FMRAnalyze deal
1170663SulphurCalcasieu Parish$1,217$1,459$1,117+9%County FMRAnalyze deal
1271301AlexandriaRapides Parish$994$1,342$930+7%County FMRAnalyze deal
1370127New OrleansOrleans Parish$1,331$1,701$1,250+7%County FMRAnalyze deal
1471104ShreveportCaddo Parish$1,111$1,458$1,058+5%County FMRAnalyze deal
1570802Baton RougeEast Baton Rouge Parish$1,204$1,511$1,169+3%County FMRAnalyze deal
1670714BakerEast Baton Rouge Parish$1,204$1,511$1,194+1%County FMRAnalyze deal

Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent to the ZIP's typical asking rent across all home sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.

How these numbers are calculated

  • Voucher rent is the HUD FY2026 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) where it applies, otherwise the county or metro Fair Market Rent. This is the basis housing authorities use to set payment standards, typically 90 to 110 percent of it, and it is a gross rent that includes a utility allowance.
  • Typical market rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the ZIP code as of June 2026, a smoothed measure of asking rents across all home types and sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
  • Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent against that blended market figure, which is the conservative comparison. Premiums for 3 and 4 bedroom homes are often larger.
  • The premium is a screening signal, not a guarantee. Housing authorities run a rent reasonableness review against unassisted comparables before approving any contract rent, and the payment standard is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Always verify with the local housing authority.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents and Zillow Research (ZORI). FMRs effective October 1 each year; ZORI updates monthly.

Frequently asked questions

Which ZIP code in Louisiana has the biggest Section 8 premium?
71109 (Shreveport) currently shows the largest gap: the 2-bedroom voucher rent basis is $1,111 against a typical market rent of $749, a +48% premium.
How many ZIP codes in Louisiana pay above market rent?
Of the 109 Louisiana ZIP codes with both HUD and market rent data, 16 currently show a voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent.
Can I actually charge the full amount shown here?
Not automatically. The housing authority sets a payment standard between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR or SAFMR, and every lease passes a rent reasonableness review against comparable unassisted units. Treat the premium as a screening signal for where to look, then verify with the local housing authority.

More Louisiana resources

Run the full numbers on a voucher deal

The Section 8 Investment Analyzer compares a voucher tenancy against a market tenancy side by side, with vacancy, lease-up lag, and inspection costs factored in. Free to use.

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