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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,650 | $153,291 | 1.08% | B |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $232,333 | 0.85% | C |
| 4BR | $2,330 | $288,740 | 0.81% | C |
| 5BR | $2,703 | $339,365 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Lithonia’s 30058 ZIP code is primarily a suburban, car-dependent community situated roughly 20 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The area is characterized by a blend of established single-family neighborhoods and sprawling commercial corridors along Stone Mountain Highway. A significant local institution anchoring the region is the Stonecrest Mall, which serves as a major retail hub and employment center for the surrounding Dekalb County area, contributing to the local economic base.
From a quantitative perspective, investors face a narrow pricing window in this market. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit in FY2024 is $1,820, which sits slightly below the current market rent of $1,831, resulting in a negligible gap of $11. For those looking at acquisition, the median home value is $247,293, while the specific median sale price for 2-bedroom homes comes in at $158,443. However, liquidity is a consideration here, as the median days on market sits at 83 days, indicating a slower turnover than the metro average.
The tenant base is substantial, with 34.8% of the population renting and a median household income of $61,684. This income level suggests a population that can support standard market rents but may still require assistance due to rising housing costs. While the area is primarily suburban, residents rely heavily on highway access for commuting, and local school performance varies, making property proximity to higher-rated zones a potential driver for family demand.
The Section 8 verdict for 30058 leans toward stability and modest cash-flow preservation rather than aggressive appreciation. With the HUD SAFMR at $1,820 and market rent at $1,831, the program guarantees roughly 99% of market potential, offering high protection against vacancy loss without leaving significant money on the table. The lower median 2BR sales price of $158,443 compared to the overall area median value suggests a specific opportunity to acquire smaller, cash-flow-efficient units at a discount to the broader market, provided the investor can manage the 83-day average liquidity timeline.
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.