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 | $1,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,315 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,590 | $204,367 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $1,890 | $290,972 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $2,250 | $341,619 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $2,610 | $382,547 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 30106, which covers Austell, Georgia, in Cobb County, can be clearly defined using the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index) figures. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1710. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the localized rental market conditions. The local market rent, as indicated by ZORI, stands at $1,805.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives reimbursement based on the SAFMR, not the market rent. The tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their income toward rent, which is then supplemented by the housing authority to cover the remainder up to the SAFMR limit. Utility allowances are also factored into the total reimbursement amount, but these are fixed and do not vary widely.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion is $513 (based on 30% of an assumed income), the housing authority would pay the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. In this case, the reimbursement would be $1197. However, since the market rent is higher at $1,805, there is a gap between what the landlord charges and what they receive from the housing authority.
The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 30106 is calculated by subtracting the housing authority payment from the market rent. Therefore, the gap is $1,805 - $1,710 = $95. This means landlords will receive $95 less per month than the market rent when renting to a Section 8 tenant for a two-bedroom unit. Conversely, if the market rent were below the SAFMR, landlords could see a surplus.
In summary, for ZIP 30106, landlords should expect a reimbursement of up to $1710 for a two-bedroom apartment, with a typical market rent of $1,805. This results in a reimbursement gap of $95, indicating that landlords will earn slightly less than the local market rent when leasing to a Section 8 tenant.
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.