Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30907 - 2027
Location: Augusta-Richmond County, GA | Metro: Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC HUD Metro FMR Area
Investment Score for ZIP 30907
C
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$1,490
Median Price (2BR)
$175,021
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,645 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,199 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,359 |
Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms |
Monthly FMR |
Median Price |
1% Rule |
Grade |
| 2BR |
$1,490 |
$175,021 |
0.85% |
C |
| 3BR |
$1,870 |
$246,808 |
0.76% |
D |
| 4BR |
$2,280 |
$367,547 |
0.62% |
D |
| 5BR |
$2,645 |
$604,034 |
0.44% |
F |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$81,912
### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30907 (Martinez, GA)
#### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 30907, as per the 2026 figures, ranges from $1060 for a zero-bedroom unit to $2230 for a four-bedroom unit. For a two-bedroom unit, which is a common size for many families, the FMR is set at $1420. This amount represents 20.8% of the median household income in the area, which stands at $81,912.
When comparing the FMR to actual rents, it is important to note that the Zillow median price for a two-bedroom home is $174,632. However, the price-to-FMR ratio for a two-bedroom unit is 10.2x, indicating that the rental market is significantly more expensive relative to the purchase market. This suggests that landlords might be charging above the FMR, which could pose challenges for tenants using Section 8 vouchers. The voucher program typically covers rent up to the FMR, so tenants may struggle to find units that fit within their budget if landlords charge higher rates.
#### Affordability & Renter Profile
In ZIP code 30907, 27.9% of the population are renters, with a total population of 46,975. Given that the occupancy rate is 82.2%, there is a moderate demand for rental properties, but it is not a highly oversupplied market. The median household income of $81,912 indicates that the area has a relatively affluent demographic, which could mean that some renters might have higher incomes and thus be less reliant on Section 8 vouchers. However, the 27.9% renter population still represents a significant number of potential voucher users, approximately 13,000 individuals.
Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, it is likely that the rental market is tight, especially for those who rely solely on Section 8 vouchers. Landlords may prefer to rent to tenants who can pay more than the FMR, leading to a scarcity of affordable units for voucher holders. This dynamic creates a challenging environment for low-income families seeking housing, as they may face difficulties finding units within their budget.
#### Investor Angle
From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 30907 presents both opportunities and challenges. The FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1420, which is a reasonable starting point for rental pricing. However, given the high price-to-FMR ratio, landlords might be inclined to charge more than the FMR to maximize returns.
To determine if the ZIP code is cash-flow positive at FMR, we need to consider the typical expenses associated with owning and renting out a property. These include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Assuming a conservative estimate of 50% of the FMR for these expenses, a landlord would need to cover around $710 in costs for a two-bedroom unit. If the landlord charges exactly the FMR, they would have a net income of $710 per month, which is positive but may not be sufficient to cover all expenses and provide a desirable profit margin.
The investment grade for this ZIP code would depend on the specific property and its location. Properties that are well-maintained and located in desirable areas may attract higher-paying tenants or command rents above the FMR. However, investors should be cautious about relying solely on Section 8 vouchers due to the administrative complexities and the potential for lower-than-market rents.
#### Specific Actionable Insights
1. **Targeting Affordable Units**: Investors should focus on acquiring properties that can be rented out at or slightly below the FMR to cater to the needs of Section 8 voucher holders. For example, a two-bedroom unit priced at $1420 or even slightly lower would be attractive to this demographic and ensure steady occupancy.
2. **Expanding Property Offerings**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors might consider diversifying their portfolio by including smaller units such as one-bedroom or studio apartments. The FMR for a one-bedroom unit is $1250, which is still a manageable rent for voucher holders and could provide better cash flow due to lower operating costs.
3. **Improving Property Value**: Investing in property improvements can help justify higher rents while maintaining affordability. For instance, upgrading appliances, adding energy-efficient features, or enhancing the exterior appearance of a property can make it more appealing to tenants willing to pay closer to the FMR. This strategy can also improve the overall quality of life for residents, making the property more desirable.
#### Bottom Line
For Section 8-focused investors, ZIP code 30907 offers a mixed landscape. While the area has a relatively affluent demographic, the high price-to-FMR ratio suggests that the rental market is tight and may not be as favorable for voucher holders. Therefore, the recommendation is to **Hold** investments in this ZIP code, focusing on improving existing properties to make them more attractive to a broader range of tenants. Investors should be prepared to manage the complexities of the Section 8 program and ensure that their properties remain competitive in terms of both price and quality.
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.