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

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

Investment Score for ZIP 31830

N/A

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,000

Median Price (2BR)

$N/A

1% Rule

Annual Yield

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

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

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
3BR	$1,380	$205,320	0.67%	D

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

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). 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.