Location: Charlton County, 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 | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $220,633 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 31553, located in Charlton County, GA, reveals several key points regarding its viability for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $900, which is higher than the current market rent of $754 based on Census ACS data. This means that landlords can potentially charge more through Section 8 than they would in the open market, providing an additional incentive to participate in the program.
Acquisition in this area is relatively affordable. The median home value stands at $179,806, making it possible for investors to purchase properties without excessive capital outlay. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts suggests that the market dynamics are less clear. Landlords should be cautious and conduct thorough due diligence on individual properties before making any acquisitions.
Tenant demand exists but is limited by the size of the local population. With a total population of 5,386, and 21.5% of residents being renters, there are approximately 1,156 potential rental households. While this number may seem small, it represents a significant portion of the total housing units, indicating a steady demand for rental properties.
Verdict: ZIP 31553 presents a favorable opportunity for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the higher FMR compared to market rent, affordable median home values, and a reliable tenant base. However, the limited data on market conditions suggest caution in property selection. Investors should focus on properties that offer good returns and stability, given the demographic constraints of the area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.