Location: Tift County, GA | Metro: Berrien 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $89,859 | 1.12% | B |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $199,641 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $338,437 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 31794, located in Tifton, GA within Tift County's metro area, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $990 for FY 2026 is notably lower than the market rent indicated by ZORI, which stands at $1,250. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to cover costs and maintain profitability without adjusting their rental prices downward.
Acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is relatively affordable, given the median home value of $182,364. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the fact that only 0.2% of listings involve price cuts indicate a competitive market for property purchases. Landlords should be prepared for negotiations and possibly higher acquisition costs due to limited availability.
Tenant demand in ZIP 31794 is substantial. With a population of 26,178 and 45.9% of residents being renters, there is a considerable pool of potential tenants. This high renter share ensures that landlords can expect steady occupancy rates and minimal vacancy periods, assuming they align their rents with the FMR.
Verdict: While the high renter share provides strong tenant demand, the unfavorable comparison between the FMR and market rent indicates challenges in achieving profitable rental yields. Acquisition costs are reasonable, but the competitive nature of the market means landlords must be strategic in securing properties. Overall, the ZIP code offers opportunities for landlords willing to adjust their pricing strategies to align with the FMR of $990, balancing between covering operational costs and remaining competitive in the local market.
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.