Location: Wilkinson County, GA | Metro: Macon-Bibb County, GA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,420 | $160,974 | 0.88% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for Section 8 landlords in ZIP 31031 are significant. Tenant turnover can be a major issue due to the disparity between the market rent of $810 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 for FY 2024. This difference suggests that tenants might struggle to cover the gap between the subsidized amount and the actual market rent, leading to higher turnover rates. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a concern as the Days on Market (DOM) for properties in this area is currently unreported, indicating uncertainty around how quickly units can be filled. The typical home value in ZIP 31031 stands at $143,140, while the median income is $54,542, which could result in deferred maintenance issues as owners may not have the financial capacity to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area. With an 18.6% renter share, there is a strong likelihood of consistent demand for rental properties, particularly those that accept Section 8 vouchers. High renter density often translates into a robust pool of potential tenants who rely on government assistance to secure housing, thereby mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and maintenance.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 31031 is moderate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.