Location: Cumberland County, VA | Metro: Cumberland County, VA
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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $204,046 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $337,892 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 23027, located in Cartersville, Virginia, is characterized by a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,612 residents. Only 8.1% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied area. The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $95,407, which reflects a relatively affluent community. The median home value is notably high at $320,896, suggesting that homes in this area are of good quality and have significant investment value.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,500. However, there is no available data on the current market rent, which means that the FMR might be the closest figure we can use for comparison. Given the lack of detailed market rent information, it's challenging to assess how competitive this FMR is relative to what the market might bear.
The low percentage of renters in ZIP 23027 suggests that it may not be an ideal location for hands-off voucher operators. With only 8.1% of the population renting, there is limited demand for Section 8 housing, making it difficult to sustain a passive rental business model. Instead, this ZIP code is better suited for hands-on value-add buyers who can leverage the area’s high median home value and potentially upscale the rental properties to meet the needs of the local, higher-income demographic.
In conclusion, while the FMR provides a benchmark for rental pricing, the scarcity of market rent data makes it hard to gauge the exact potential for rental income. For investors looking to enter Cartersville, VA, a hands-on approach would likely yield better returns, given the opportunity to improve property values and cater to the existing affluent community.
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.