Location: Tift County, GA | Metro: Tift County, GA
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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,250 | $259,628 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,500 | $388,786 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 31793 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay on behalf of a tenant who qualifies for a Section 8 voucher. However, it's important to note that the local market rent, based on Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $754.
A landlord should understand that the voucher payment is not the only source of income. Tenants must contribute a portion of their income towards rent, which is typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. For example, if a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,000, they would be required to pay $300 towards the rent. The remainder of the rent is then subsidized by the housing authority up to the SAFMR limit of $970.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally cover a reasonable estimate of electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. In ZIP 31793, the utility allowance might bring the total subsidy closer to the SAFMR, but it does not exceed it.
To illustrate, if a landlord charges $970 for a two-bedroom unit, and the tenant's contribution is $300, the housing authority would pay the remaining $670. If the landlord sets the rent below the SAFMR, say at $850, and the tenant still contributes $300, the housing authority would pay $550. This leaves the landlord with a total of $850, which is above the local market rent of $754.
However, the typical scenario involves a gap between the SAFMR and the actual market rent. Given that the market rent is $754 and the SAFMR is $970, landlords can expect a surplus when renting to Section 8 tenants. The surplus for a two-bedroom unit would be $216 per month, assuming the landlord accepts the SAFMR as the rental price. This surplus provides a buffer against potential maintenance issues or other unforeseen costs associated with rental properties.
Landlords should also consider the administrative aspects of accepting Section 8 vouchers, such as regular inspections and compliance with housing quality standards. Despite these requirements, the economic benefit of a higher-than-market rental rate combined with the security of government-backed payments makes Section 8 an attractive option for many landlords in ZIP 31793.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.