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 | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,030 | $88,050 | 1.17% | B |
| 2BR | $1,270 | $103,881 | 1.22% | A |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $153,775 | 0.98% | C |
| 4BR | $1,790 | $212,041 | 0.84% | C |
| 5BR | $2,076 | $270,129 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 31520, located in Brunswick, GA, is an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Financial Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 in this ZIP code is set at $1050, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $1,625. This $575 difference ensures that landlords can maintain steady cash flow without the risk of overpricing their properties.
The median home value in ZIP 31520 stands at $148,440, making it an affordable area for both homeowners and renters. With a low 0.2% price-cut share, it indicates that there's minimal need to reduce rental rates to attract tenants, further supporting its role as a cash-flow anchor. Additionally, the N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) suggests that properties in this area are rented quickly, reducing vacancy rates and ensuring consistent income.
While the median income in the area is $40,071, indicating a moderate economic status, the 54.5% renter share shows a robust demand for rental properties. This high percentage of renters supports the stability of the cash flow, as it demonstrates a strong preference for renting over buying among the population. Landlords can rely on this consistent tenant base to ensure long-term occupancy and stable rental income.
In summary, ZIP 31520 serves best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the substantial spread between the FMR and market rent, quick property turnover, and high renter share. These factors contribute to a predictable and stable financial performance, making it a reliable addition to any investment portfolio focused on Section 8 housing.
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.