Location: Valdosta, GA | Metro: Valdosta, 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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $116,336 | 0.93% | C |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $201,691 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $282,858 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 31643, Quitman, Georgia, is set at $890 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, which is the maximum amount that the government will pay to cover rent and utilities for a property. It's important to note that this does not necessarily mean you can charge $890 for rent; it's the ceiling for government payments.
In comparison, the average rent for the area is slightly lower at $818, according to recent Census Bureau data. This suggests that while your property might be eligible for the higher FMR reimbursement, actual market rents are somewhat below this level. Given that renters make up 30.0% of the population in Quitman, there is a significant demand for rental properties, but landlords should be cautious about pricing their units too high relative to the local average.
The median home value in Quitman is around $157,106, which provides insight into the typical cost of acquiring a property in this area. If you're looking to enter the Section 8 rental market, this figure can help you gauge whether the potential income from a voucher tenant justifies the purchase price of a property.
To ensure success in the Section 8 market, verify that your property meets all local and federal housing quality standards, known as the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are essential because they determine whether a property is eligible for Section 8 participation. They cover safety and habitability requirements, ensuring that tenants have access to decent living conditions.
By aligning your property's rent with the local average while keeping in mind the FMR limit, you can attract tenants who benefit from the Section 8 program without setting unrealistic expectations for rent. The demand for rental housing in Quitman, combined with the reasonable acquisition costs, makes it a viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in entering the Section 8 rental market.
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.