Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 31830 - 2027

Location: Columbus, GA | Metro: Meriwether County, GA HUD Metro FMR Area

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$810
1 Bedroom	$850
2 Bedrooms	$1,000
3 Bedrooms	$1,380
4 Bedrooms	$1,540
5 Bedrooms	$1,786
6 Bedrooms	$2,000
7 Bedrooms	$2,160
8 Bedrooms	$2,268

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,176

Median Household Income

$61,250

Housing Units

1,183

Renter Percentage

21.6%

Occupancy Rate

80.3%

Renter Occupied

205

Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 31830

Housing Authority of the City of Greenville (Greenville, GA)
Housing Authority of the City of Manchester (Manchester, GA)
Housing Authority of the County of Harris (Hamilton, GA)

ZIP code 31830, located within the Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area, exhibits characteristics that suggest it could be considered a value pocket within the broader metropolitan context. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $1190, which is notably higher than the market rent of $785. This discrepancy indicates potential for landlords who can offer properties at or near the market rent, thereby benefiting from the subsidy gap. The median home value in ZIP 31830 is $203,993, which is likely below the average home value for the entire Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area, positioning it as an affordable option for both renters and buyers.

A key feature of ZIP 31830 is its relatively high renter share of 21.6%. Typically, a higher percentage of renters suggests greater demand for rental properties, especially in areas where home values are lower compared to the metro average. This combination of a high renter share and below-average home values can create a favorable environment for landlords participating in Section 8 programs, as it aligns with the program's goal of providing affordable housing options to low-income families.

To further contextualize ZIP 31830's position, consider the following:

The FMR of $1190 is above the market rent, indicating that tenants eligible for Section 8 assistance could potentially afford higher rents than the current market rate, offering a margin for landlords.
The home value of $203,993 is indicative of an area that is less expensive than the overall metro, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers or those looking for affordable rental investments.
The 21.6% renter share suggests a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, which can be beneficial for landlords seeking steady occupancy rates.

Given these specifics, ZIP 31830 appears to be a value pocket within the Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area, offering opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors who are willing to participate in the Section 8 program. The high renter share coupled with below-metro home values and a subsidy-friendly FMR structure supports this inference.

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.