Location: Franklin County, MA | Metro: Berkshire County, MA (part) HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,020 | $388,226 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01367 in Georgia presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with the market rent at $1,313 being notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,480 for FY 2024. This disparity can lead to higher tenant churn as many potential renters may be priced out of the market, seeking subsidized housing instead. High turnover rates increase administrative costs and can disrupt rental income stability.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant between tenants. Vacancies can be particularly damaging to cash flow, especially when combined with the higher administrative burden of managing Section 8 properties.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With a typical home value of $342,378 and a median income of $72,813, there's a substantial gap that could indicate financial strain for homeowners. This could translate into higher maintenance demands for rental properties, which must meet certain standards to qualify for Section 8. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep to ensure compliance and tenant satisfaction.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 12.7% of the population renting. High renter density often correlates with a greater demand for housing vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates over time. Despite the initial hurdles, the presence of a large number of potential voucher holders can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants, mitigating some of the financial uncertainties associated with rental vacancies.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.