Location: Johnson County, GA | Metro: Emanuel County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 30477 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting local housing market conditions more accurately than broader regional averages.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit is reported at $682 per month, based on recent Census ACS (American Community Survey) data. This indicates that the SAFMR for ZIP 30477 is above the average market rent, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the program.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between what a tenant can afford and the SAFMR. Typically, tenants contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a household in this area, the tenant's portion might be around $200-$300 per month, depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, the voucher includes a utility allowance, which varies but is often around $100-$150 per month.
This means that the total amount paid by the voucher plus the tenant's contribution could range from $1,270 to $1,420 per month. However, the actual reimbursement cannot exceed the SAFMR of $970. Therefore, the landlord will receive the SAFMR of $970, regardless of the combined total of the tenant's payment and the utility allowance.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 30477 would thus be a surplus, since the SAFMR of $970 is higher than the local market rent of $682. This results in a monthly surplus of approximately $288 for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program and rent out their units at the local market rate.
For landlords, this means that even though the reimbursement is capped at $970, they still receive more than the average market rent for a two-bedroom unit in the area. This can provide a stable source of income, especially if the landlord is concerned about vacancy rates or the financial stability of tenants.
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.