Location: Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | Metro: Brunswick-St. Simons, GA MSA
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 | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $208,981 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $288,565 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $373,616 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP 31305, which encompasses Darien, Georgia, and parts of McIntosh County, are straightforward. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $910 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the local housing market conditions accurately.
The local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is $905 according to the Census ACS data. Landlords should understand that the actual amount paid by a Section 8 voucher is a combination of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance. Typically, the tenant contributes 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, and the remainder is covered by the voucher program up to the SAFMR limit.
Let’s break down the payment process:
In ZIP 31305, where the SAFMR matches closely with the local market rent, landlords can expect a stable income with minimal variance. The reimbursement gap or surplus is typically non-existent due to the close alignment between the SAFMR and the market rent. In this scenario, landlords receive the full SAFMR of $910, including any utility allowances, ensuring that they do not lose out financially compared to renting without a voucher.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 31305 can expect a consistent monthly income of $910 for a two-bedroom rental unit, with the tenant contributing approximately 30% of their income and the voucher covering the rest. There is no significant reimbursement gap or surplus here, making Section 8 a reliable option for landlords seeking steady, government-backed rental income.
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.