Location: Wayne County, GA | Metro: Appling County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 31560 within the Wayne County, GA metro area reveals a favorable environment for cashflow. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 is set at $970, which is significantly higher than the current market rent of $726 as reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at FMR, providing a solid financial buffer for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $212,572. Using the market rent figure of $726, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.00034. This ratio suggests that the cost of renting is relatively low compared to the cost of owning, potentially making rental properties more attractive to tenants, including those with vouchers.
The dynamics between renting and buying are also important. With a median Days on Market (DOM) and a price-cut share both noted as N/A, it's challenging to provide a precise comparison. However, given the favorable FMR to market rent gap, the focus should be on the rental market rather than the buying market for Section 8 investors.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 31560 is cashflow. The substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent ensures that voucher tenants will consistently cover operational costs and provide a reliable profit margin, making this location an ideal choice for steady income generation through Section 8 participation.
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.