Location: Ware County, GA | Metro: Ware County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 31550 are governed by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,030 per month for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the rental assistance amount determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
To understand what a landlord can expect from a voucher, it's important to break down the components. The voucher pays a significant portion of the rent, but the tenant is also responsible for contributing a share, typically around 30% of their income. This contribution is then added to the landlord's total rental income.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances. These vary based on the region and the type of utilities used by the tenant. For ZIP 31550, the allowance would be included in the overall compensation package, ensuring that landlords receive a fair reimbursement for both rent and utilities.
The SAFMR of $1,030 represents the maximum amount HUD will pay towards rent. If the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom property is higher than $1,030, the landlord will have to negotiate with the tenant to cover the difference. Conversely, if the local market rent is lower, landlords may benefit from a smaller gap between the SAFMR and the actual rent charged.
Since the local market rent for ZIP 31550 is listed as N/A, it's unclear whether landlords will face a surplus or a gap. However, if we assume the local market rent aligns closely with the SAFMR, landlords should expect to receive $1,030 plus the tenant's contribution and any applicable utility allowances.
To illustrate, let's consider a scenario where the tenant's portion is $300, and the utility allowance is $100. In this case, the landlord would receive a total of $1,430 ($1,030 from the voucher + $300 from the tenant + $100 for utilities). If the local market rent is indeed $1,030 or less, this would represent a surplus for landlords. If the local market rent exceeds $1,030, landlords must adjust their expectations or seek additional contributions from tenants to close the gap.
Given the lack of specific local market rent data, landlords in ZIP 31550 should prepare for a potential reimbursement gap or surplus depending on the actual rents they charge. To make informed decisions, landlords should research current local market conditions and compare them against the $1,030 SAFMR benchmark.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.