Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31012 - 2027

Location: Laurens County, GA | Metro: Bleckley County, GA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$770
1 Bedroom	$770
2 Bedrooms	$1,000
3 Bedrooms	$1,200
4 Bedrooms	$1,460
5 Bedrooms	$1,694
6 Bedrooms	$1,897
7 Bedrooms	$2,049
8 Bedrooms	$2,151

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,802

Median Household Income

$70,391

Housing Units

699

Renter Percentage

17.0%

Occupancy Rate

79.1%

Renter Occupied

The ZIP code 31012, located in Georgia, represents a suburban area that is part of the broader Columbus metropolitan statistical area. This region offers investors opportunities in both rental and homeownership markets, with distinct dynamics influencing property values and occupancy rates.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the Columbus metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,000, providing a benchmark for rental pricing.
The average market rent for properties in ZIP 31012, according to Census ACS data, stands at $373 per month, indicating a significant gap between actual rents and FMR.
The median home value in this ZIP code is $154,558, which is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the Columbus metro area.
Renters make up 17.0% of the population in ZIP 31012, suggesting a moderate demand for rental units.
The Days on Market (DOM) for listings in this area is currently N/A, possibly due to limited recent sales activity, but this does not necessarily indicate slow-moving inventory.
The median household income in ZIP 31012 is $70,391, offering insight into the financial stability and spending power of residents.

The data points highlight a rental market where there is potential for growth towards the FMR benchmarks, especially given the disparity between current rents and FMR. With a median home value under $155,000, the area remains attractive for first-time homebuyers and investors looking to enter the homeownership market. The moderate renter share suggests steady demand, though it's lower than some urban centers, and the median income provides a foundation for stable rental payments and home purchases. For investors, focusing on rental properties could yield higher returns, while homeownership investments offer solid appreciation potential given the affordability and growing demand.

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.