Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31313 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 31313

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,220
1 Bedroom	$1,220
2 Bedrooms	$1,390
3 Bedrooms	$1,810
4 Bedrooms	$2,320
5 Bedrooms	$2,691
6 Bedrooms	$3,014
7 Bedrooms	$3,255
8 Bedrooms	$3,418

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,390	$126,529	1.1%	B
3BR	$1,810	$225,103	0.8%	C
4BR	$2,320	$284,287	0.82%	C
5BR	$2,691	$331,601	0.81%	C

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 31313 (Hinesville, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures for ZIP code 31313 (Hinesville, GA) in 2026 indicate that the rental rates for various unit sizes are as follows: - 0BR: $1230 - 1BR: $1290 - 2BR: $1410 (which is 28.1% of the median household income) - 3BR: $1870 - 4BR: $2370 These FMRs represent the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay for rent. However, it is important to note that actual rents in the area might be higher. The price-to-FMR ratio for a 2BR unit is 7.5x, meaning the median home value for a 2BR unit is $127,185, which is significantly higher than the FMR. This suggests that the actual rental costs could be above the FMR levels, creating constraints for voucher holders who might struggle to find units within their budget. #### Affordability & Renter Profile With a median household income of $60,233, the affordability of housing is a critical issue for residents in Hinesville. The 2BR FMR represents 28.1% of the median income, which is relatively affordable compared to national standards. However, given that 50.1% of the population are renters, there is a significant demand for rental properties. The occupancy rate of 88.8% indicates that the market is fairly tight, with limited vacancy, suggesting that there is strong competition among renters for available units. Given the high percentage of renters and the tight market conditions, it is likely that many residents are low-income families who rely on government assistance such as Section 8 vouchers to afford housing. These individuals face challenges in finding units that meet both the size and cost requirements stipulated by their vouchers. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the key question is whether renting properties at the FMR levels would generate positive cash flow. Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, it is clear that the median home values are much higher than the FMRs, indicating that the cost of acquiring property is significantly greater than the potential rental income. For example, a 2BR unit with a median home value of $127,185 would have a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $600-$700, assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of around 5%. Adding typical expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, the total monthly cost could easily exceed the FMR of $1410. Therefore, while renting at FMR levels might cover some of the expenses, it is unlikely to generate substantial positive cash flow. The investment grade for this ZIP code would be considered moderate to low due to the tight market and the high acquisition costs relative to rental income. Investors should carefully consider the financial implications before entering this market. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Smaller Units**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, smaller units like 0BR and 1BR might offer better opportunities for positive cash flow. For instance, a 1BR unit with an FMR of $1290 might be more financially viable if the mortgage and other costs are lower than those for larger units. 2. **Consider Alternative Financing Options**: Traditional financing might not be sufficient to achieve positive cash flow at FMR levels. Investors could explore alternative financing options such as hard money loans, which typically come with higher interest rates but shorter terms, potentially reducing overall costs. 3. **Look into Subsidized Housing Programs**: Since the market is tight and the FMR is a significant portion of the median income, exploring subsidized housing programs beyond just Section 8 might help. Programs like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) can provide additional subsidies that make properties more attractive to low-income tenants. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the recommendation for ZIP code 31313 (Hinesville, GA) is to **Skip**. The high price-to-FMR ratio and tight market conditions make it challenging to achieve positive cash flow. Additionally, the high acquisition costs relative to the rental income suggest that this area might not be the most profitable for investors seeking to maximize returns through Section 8 rentals. Instead, investors might want to look for areas with a lower price-to-FMR ratio or where the market is less competitive for rental properties.

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.