Location: Pierce County, GA | Metro: Bacon County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 31551 within the GA metro area reveals several key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, is only $845. This indicates that landlords might struggle to charge rents that meet the FMR standard without reducing occupancy rates due to higher-than-market prices.
Acquisition is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $247,362. However, the lack of data on days-on-market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have undergone price cuts suggests that there may be uncertainty regarding how quickly properties sell and whether there's pressure to lower asking prices to attract buyers.
Tenant demand is low. With a population of 1,010 and only 11.4% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is limited. This could make it challenging to find enough qualified renters to fill available units.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 31551 presents challenges due to unfavorable rent math and limited tenant demand. While the median home value is reasonable, the absence of data on DOM and price-cut percentages introduces an element of risk regarding property acquisition and resale dynamics. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully consider these factors before committing to this market.
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.