Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31534 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

In ZIP code 31534, located in Douglas, GA, the median household income stands at $56,534. This is notably higher than the state average, being 100.1% above it. The median home value in this area is $258,247, which is also 100.5% higher than the state average. The median rent in Douglas, GA is $1,570, significantly above the state average.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31534, set at $970 for metro FY 2026, is considerably lower than the current market rent of $1,570. This creates a gap of $600 per month, or approximately 38.4%, between what the government deems as fair market rent and what the actual market demands.

If the FMR exceeds the market rent, properties would be attractive to voucher tenants, potentially leading to higher occupancy rates and steady cash flow. However, in this case, the FMR is less than the market rent. Landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers must understand that they will receive a lower rate than the open market allows, which could result in a reduced net operating income.

The cost of housing voucher tenants below open-market rates means landlords must weigh the benefits of guaranteed rental payments against the potential loss of income from higher market rents. In ZIP 31534, where market rents are already high, this could pose a significant challenge for landlords looking to maximize their yields.

Douglas, GA, has an overall livability score of 72 out of 100, indicating a good quality of life. The cost of living index in Douglas is 59, which is below the national average of 100, suggesting that residents have a higher disposable income compared to the national average.

The data indicates that Douglas, GA, is a thriving suburban community with a median age of 38.7 years and a population density of 21,534 residents. The area’s economic landscape is robust, with a strong employment rate of 95.2%. The top industries by employment include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, education, retail trade, and professional services.

Given the significant gap between FMR and market rent, landlords should carefully assess the long-term implications of accepting Section 8 vouchers. While there are benefits such as stable tenancy and government-backed rent payments, the lower rates might affect profitability, especially in a market where rents are already high.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).

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.