Location: Laurens County, GA | Metro: Laurens 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,470 | $268,477 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 31019, located in a county with 3,154 residents, stands out due to its unique economic profile. With only 14.0% of residents renting their homes, it indicates a primarily owner-occupied community. The median income for the area is $47,944, which is relatively modest compared to national averages. However, the median home value of $209,692 suggests that homeownership is still a significant factor in the local economy.
Moving into the specifics of Section 8 housing, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $990, slightly below the current market rent of $1,005 according to the Census ACS data. This difference means that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect a slight reduction in rental income per unit compared to the market rate. However, the stability provided by government-backed payments often outweighs the lower rental rates for many landlords.
The data signature of ZIP 31019 reads as stable. The low percentage of renters combined with a modest median income points towards a community where homeownership is valued and maintained. The close alignment between the FMR and market rent also suggests that the Section 8 program is well-calibrated to the local rental market conditions. For small-portfolio investors and landlords, this stability offers a predictable environment for long-term investment decisions.
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.