Location: Telfair County, GA | Metro: Dodge County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market in ZIP code 31060, located in Telfair County, GA, presents a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is notably higher than the market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $831. This comparison indicates that voucher tenants can generate positive cash flow at the HUD FMR rate, as long as they occupy units priced at or near the HUD FMR. Landlords should be aware that the current market rent is below the HUD FMR, suggesting a potential opportunity to increase rental income through voucher programs.
To further analyze the investment potential, we consider the median home value in ZIP 31060, which is $135,848. Using this figure, we calculate the rent-to-price ratio by dividing the market rent ($831) by the median home value ($135,848), resulting in approximately 0.61%. This low ratio implies that the rental market is undervalued relative to property values, potentially offering good returns for investors focused on cash flow rather than home ownership.
In terms of the rental versus buying dynamics, the data shows an N/A-day median Days on Market (DOM) and an N/A% price-cut share. These figures indicate that there is limited information available regarding the speed of sales and the frequency of price reductions in the local housing market. However, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the market rent, it's clear that the rental market offers a more immediate financial benefit for investors compared to the buying market.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 31060 is cash flow. With the HUD FMR significantly above the current market rent, landlords can expect to see improved financial performance by leveraging the Section 8 program to fill their units at a higher rate. This strategy ensures steady and reliable income streams, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their returns in the rental sector.
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.