Location: Hinesville, 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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,280 | $200,324 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $286,965 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $332,812 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 31320, located in Midway, Georgia, is moderately suitable for landlords seeking to attract Section 8 tenants. With a population of 10,794, 21.4% of residents are renters, indicating a relatively balanced mix between homeowners and renters. However, the median household income stands at $77,195, which suggests that while there is a significant number of renters, their financial capacity may be higher than the average Section 8 tenant.
The market rent for the area is $1,925 per month, which equates to approximately 25% of the median household income. This indicates that the typical rent consumes a substantial portion of the local income, making affordability a critical concern for many potential tenants. In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,180 for fiscal year 2024, is significantly lower than the market rent, highlighting a gap between what is affordable under Section 8 guidelines and the actual rental costs.
Given these figures, landlords in ZIP 31320 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals and families who are likely to require assistance through housing vouchers. However, the depth of voucher demand may not be as high as in areas with a larger percentage of renters or lower median incomes. Tenants will primarily consist of low-income individuals who must manage on a budget that aligns closely with the FMR rather than the market rent. This means landlords might need to adjust their expectations regarding rental prices and consider the benefits of participating in Section 8 programs to ensure steady tenancy.
To summarize, while ZIP 31320 offers opportunities for landlords to engage with a Section 8 tenant pool, the overall environment leans towards a middle ground where both market rents and voucher usage coexist. Landlords should prepare for a tenant base that requires careful financial management and possibly lower rental rates to remain competitive and attractive within the voucher system.
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.