Location: Macon-Bibb 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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $133,842 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $248,375 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $325,873 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $1,833 | $376,509 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To integrate ZIP 31052, located in Lizella, GA, within a Section 8 portfolio strategy, it's crucial to analyze the area's financial metrics and housing market dynamics. This ZIP code falls under the Macon-Bibb County, GA HUD Metro FMR Area, which provides us with key data points for evaluation.
The Fiscal Year 2024 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31052 is set at $1080. In comparison, the current market rent stands at $982. This creates a positive spread of $98, indicating that properties in this ZIP can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio. Landlords will benefit from the higher FMR payments compared to what they would receive from market-rate tenants.
The median home value in ZIP 31052 is $260,912. Given the relatively stable housing market and the modest appreciation potential, focusing on rental income rather than property value growth is advisable. The low 0.2% price-cut share suggests that rental prices are competitive and rarely need to be adjusted downward, while the N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) indicates that properties are typically occupied or rented quickly once listed.
A further consideration is the 9.6% renter share and the median income of $84,846. While these factors suggest a moderate demand for rentals and an average income level, they do not significantly impact the cash-flow anchor strategy. The primary advantage of including ZIP 31052 in a Section 8 portfolio lies in the guaranteed income stream from the government-subsidized rents, which exceeds the local market rate, thus providing a reliable and steady source of revenue.
In conclusion, ZIP 31052 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, ensuring consistent and above-market income for landlords. This strategy leverages the financial support of the Section 8 program to maximize rental yields in a stable market environment.
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.