Location: Seminole County, GA | Metro: Baker 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $101,012 | 0.99% | C |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $170,802 | 0.81% | C |
| 4BR | $1,480 | $280,394 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 39837, which encompasses Colquitt, GA, and parts of Miller and Seminole Counties, presents a favorable opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the area is $970 per month, effective for fiscal year 2026. In contrast, the average market rent based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data is significantly lower at $690 per month.
This disparity means that voucher tenants can easily cashflow at the HUD FMR, providing a substantial buffer between the government-set rent and the actual market rates. For instance, a landlord renting out a property at the HUD FMR would be earning approximately $280 more per month than the average market rate, which can cover maintenance costs, vacancies, and other expenses associated with rental management.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $161,829. This figure translates into a rent-to-price ratio of about 0.6%, indicating that rental income can contribute effectively to the overall financial performance of a property. While the median Days on Market (DOM) is not available, the low share of homes that have undergone price cuts (only 0.2%) suggests that the local real estate market is relatively stable, with limited pressure to reduce asking prices.
The strong cashflow potential makes this ZIP code an attractive option for investors. Given the current market conditions, where rental rates are significantly below the HUD FMR, landlords can expect steady returns without the need to compete on price with non-subsidized rentals. Moreover, the low rate of price cuts indicates a resilient housing market, which can provide additional security and predictability for long-term investments.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 39837 is cashflow, due to the significant difference between the HUD FMR and the average market rent.
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.