Location: Long County, GA | Metro: Hinesville, 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,471 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,989 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,690 | $236,000 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $2,130 | $292,340 | 0.73% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
55.7% of residents in ZIP code 31301 are renters, indicating a strong demand for rental properties. This high renter share supports the $1,767 market rent (ZORI) figure, which shows that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is above the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970. The median home value of $257,843 suggests that homeownership is less common, further reinforcing the appeal of rental investments. Landlords can expect a stable tenant pool, given the median income of $65,417, which is sufficient to cover the average rent without straining household budgets.
The 0.1% price-cut share indicates that property values in this area are relatively stable, with few owners needing to reduce their asking prices to sell homes. This stability is beneficial for both long-term and short-term investments, as it minimizes the risk of property devaluation. Additionally, the absence of data on days on market (DOM) suggests that properties are typically sold quickly, although this could also indicate a lack of recent sales data. Despite this, the overall market conditions point towards a favorable environment for rental investments.
Given the robust rental market and the stability of property values, landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider ZIP 31301 for Section 8 properties. The $970 FMR provides a clear benchmark for what the government will pay for housing assistance, ensuring a predictable income stream for rental units. With a median income of $65,417, there is a substantial portion of the population who would qualify for Section 8 benefits, making these properties attractive to potential tenants. Moreover, the high renter share of 55.7% ensures that there will be a steady demand for rental units, even those participating in the Section 8 program.
Investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP 31301 offers a reliable and stable investment opportunity, backed by strong rental demand and income levels that support the program's requirements. The verdict: ZIP 31301 is a good choice for Section 8 investments.
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.