Location: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Metro: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 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 | $1,920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,080 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,573 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,322 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,538 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,180 | $361,498 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $2,600 | $704,007 | 0.37% | F |
| 4BR | $3,080 | $829,848 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $3,573 | $1,286,066 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30009 in Alpharetta, GA, presents a unique scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 tenants. With a population of 21,095, this area has a significant 38.4% of residents who are renters. This indicates a robust rental market, but the median household income of $126,510 suggests that the majority of residents can afford higher rents without assistance.
The market rent in this area is currently at $2,490 per month, which represents approximately 19.7% of the median household income. This percentage is relatively low, indicating that the average resident can comfortably cover rent expenses without needing financial aid. However, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,380, which is slightly below the market rent, suggesting that the demand for vouchers might be somewhat limited due to the high cost of living relative to the voucher amount.
Despite the high median income, there remains a portion of the population that would qualify for Section 8 vouchers based on their income level. Landlords in this ZIP should expect a mix of tenants, with some relying on vouchers to meet their housing needs. The typical tenant profile will likely include families and individuals whose incomes are below the median, possibly around $30,000 to $60,000 annually, aligning with the eligibility criteria for Section 8 programs.
In conclusion, while ZIP 30009 has a substantial rental market, it is not characterized by deep voucher demand. Instead, it leans towards being a middle to upper-middle-class area where most residents can afford the current market rent. For those who do use vouchers, they will be a smaller subset of the total renting population, requiring landlords to balance the benefits of stable tenants against the lower rent ceilings imposed by the voucher program.
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.