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 | $1,700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,831 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,023 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,770 | $196,465 | 0.9% | C |
| 2BR | $1,930 | $286,032 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $2,300 | $478,854 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,730 | $634,229 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $3,167 | $927,223 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 analysis for ZIP code 30033, located in Decatur, Georgia, reveals a significant opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $2000 for fiscal year 2024, while the actual market rent, as measured by Zillow's ZORI index, stands at $1862. This creates a positive gap of $138, or approximately 7.4%, in favor of the FMR.
This gap means that voucher tenants can pay above the prevailing market rate, making it a yield play for property owners. The higher guaranteed payment from the Housing Choice Voucher program ensures a steady income stream that exceeds what most open-market tenants would be willing to pay. In a market where 37.4% of residents are renters, and the median income is $111,616, the demand for affordable housing remains robust.
Decatur, with a median home value of $482,935, has a diverse housing market. The FMR being above the market rent suggests that the government aims to cover the cost of living in this area adequately, which benefits landlords who might otherwise struggle to find tenants willing to pay the full market price. By accepting Section 8 vouchers, landlords can secure rental income that aligns with the FMR, thus avoiding the risk of having properties underutilized or vacant.
The analysis underscores the financial advantages of participating in the Section 8 program in Decatur. Landlords should consider the long-term stability and security of rental income when deciding whether to accept voucher tenants. Given the explicit gap between FMR and market rent, the decision to engage with the Section 8 program could prove highly beneficial.
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.