Location: Emanuel County, GA | Metro: Bulloch County, GA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $153,356 | 0.8% | D |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $232,613 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $365,050 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30450, located in Portal, GA within the Emanuel County, GA metro area, presents several notable characteristics when compared to typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30450 is set at $1,270 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the market rent of $1,034. This suggests that subsidized housing through Section 8 may be more prevalent or sought after in this area.
With a median home value of $234,379, ZIP 30450 falls within the range of average home values for the county. However, it's the renter share of 35.3% that stands out, being notably higher than the county-wide average of around 25%. This elevated percentage of renters indicates a significant portion of the population relies on rental properties, which can be advantageous for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for stable demand.
The combination of a higher-than-average FMR and a substantial renter share, coupled with below-metro average home values, suggests that ZIP 30450 could be considered a value pocket within its metro area. It offers opportunities for investors who are willing to engage with the Section 8 program, given the potential for steady occupancy rates and the likelihood of having a number of tenants eligible for government subsidies.
Investors should take note of the following:
Given these factors, ZIP 30450 appears to be an attractive option for those interested in leveraging the Section 8 program to secure long-term tenancy and manage risk effectively.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.