Location: Hinesville, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,700 | $209,291 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 31323 presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median household income in this area stands at $47,782, which is significantly lower than the market rate for rent at $1,325 per month. This disparity highlights a substantial affordability gap for residents, making it challenging for them to secure housing without financial assistance.
In contrast, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard for voucher payments in ZIP 31323 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $970. This means that households receiving vouchers can find housing more easily within their budget compared to those paying out-of-pocket. The difference between the market rate ($1,325) and the voucher payment ($970) is $355, representing a considerable saving for voucher recipients.
With 22.6% of the 1,364 population being renters, there is a notable segment of the community seeking affordable housing options. Landlords must consider the implications of this demographic on their rental strategies. Given the affordability gap, competition for tenants who can pay the full market rate is likely to be low, whereas demand for properties that accept vouchers could be higher.
For landlords, the takeaway is clear: while accepting vouchers means receiving a fixed rate of $970, it ensures a steady stream of reliable tenants who are financially supported. On the other hand, relying on cash-paying tenants who meet the market rate may result in longer vacancy periods due to the limited number of households capable of affording $1,325 monthly rent. Therefore, landlords should weigh the benefits of voucher acceptance against the risks of reduced occupancy rates when setting their rental policies.
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.