Location: Pulaski County, GA | Metro: Warner Robins, 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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,722 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,640 | $161,506 | 1.02% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 31091 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP is set at $950 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay for a two-bedroom rental unit in this area. In comparison, the local market rent for a similar unit is $790 according to the latest Census ACS data.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand that the reimbursement is based on a combination of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowances. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income, which can vary widely depending on the individual's financial situation. Utility allowances are additional payments made to cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewerage.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $2,000. Their contribution would be 30% of this amount, equating to $600. If the SAFMR is $950, the housing authority would cover the remaining $350. However, this does not account for utility costs. Utility allowances can range, but for simplicity, let's say it adds another $150 to the reimbursement. Therefore, the total reimbursement a landlord would receive for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 31091 could be $950 ($600 from the tenant + $350 from the housing authority).
Given the local market rent is $790, landlords might initially think they would have a surplus. However, the actual reimbursement from the housing authority is capped at $950, regardless of the tenant's contribution. If the market rent is lower, the landlord will still only receive up to $950 per month for a two-bedroom unit. This means that if a landlord charges the local market rent of $790, they would receive the full $790 plus any applicable utility allowances, without exceeding the SAFMR cap.
In ZIP 31091, landlords should expect a reimbursement gap or surplus when comparing the SAFMR to the local market rent. Since the SAFMR is higher at $950 compared to the market rent of $790, landlords who rent their units at the market price would receive the full market rent plus utility allowances, effectively closing the gap. For landlords charging above the market rent but within the SAFMR limit, there would be no surplus, and they would receive exactly $950. Any rent above $950 would not be covered by the voucher program.
In summary, for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 31091, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus is non-existent if landlords charge at or below the market rent of $790. However, if they charge the full SAFMR rate of $950, they must ensure that the unit is priced appropriately to avoid losing money due to the fixed reimbursement structure.
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.