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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $254,741 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for a landlord investing in ZIP code 31075 under the Section 8 program are significant. Tenant turnover is a critical concern, with the market rent at $879 falling below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,030 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This disparity suggests that tenants might seek higher rental subsidies, leading to frequent moves and high churn rates. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a risk due to the lack of available data on the days on market (DOM), which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain unoccupied. The deferred maintenance exposure is another issue, especially considering the typical home value of $183,841 and the median income of $52,350. Landlords must be prepared to handle potential maintenance costs that could exceed the income levels of many residents.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, comprising 12.2% of the total population. High renter density typically translates into robust demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of tenants and help mitigate some of the financial risks associated with lower market rents and potential vacancies. Despite the challenges, the presence of a substantial number of renters creates an environment where Section 8 vouchers can play a crucial role in securing tenancy and ensuring consistent rental income.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.