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 | $1,660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,086 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,456 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,732 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,919 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,880 | $280,128 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $354,799 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $2,660 | $466,736 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $3,086 | $619,034 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Acworth, Georgia, specifically the 30101 ZIP code, is often characterized as a "Lake City" due to its proximity to Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and recreational appeal. The area features a historic downtown district and is family-oriented, with access to major employers like the WellStar Health System, which operates medical facilities throughout Cobb County. This setting attracts households looking for space and stability near water, making it a distinct market within the broader Atlanta metro area.
Financially, the market presents a notable spread for investors analyzing the Section 8 program. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit is listed at $2,370, while the current market rent sits at $2,256. This creates a comfortable gap of $114, suggesting voucher holders can competitively bid for quality units without significant landlord concession. With a median home value of $433,957 and properties lingering for a median of 81 days on market, investors face a higher entry price and slower turnover compared to rapid-growth districts.
The local tenant pool is supported by strong socioeconomic indicators. The area boasts a median household income of $110,774, yet renter-occupied households comprise only 20.6% of the housing stock. This dynamic suggests a market dominated by owner-occupants, which typically bodes well for neighborhood maintenance and school quality—Acworth High is generally well-regarded. Consequently, demand for vouchers likely stems from service workers supporting the local economy rather than high-density urban need, implying potentially stable, long-term tenants.
The strongest investor angle in Acworth 30101 is stability and appreciation rather than aggressive cash flow. The positive FMR-to-market gap ensures vouchers cover costs, but the high median home value indicates this is a capital preservation play. Investors should target properties near the lakes or downtown core to leverage the area's high income and low rental density for consistent, high-quality tenancy.
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.