Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30120 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30120

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,160
1 Bedroom	$1,210
2 Bedrooms	$1,320
3 Bedrooms	$1,570
4 Bedrooms	$1,870
5 Bedrooms	$2,169
6 Bedrooms	$2,429
7 Bedrooms	$2,623
8 Bedrooms	$2,754

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,320	$231,671	0.57%	F
3BR	$1,570	$306,352	0.51%	F
4BR	$1,870	$394,796	0.47%	F
5BR	$2,169	$502,323	0.43%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30120 (Cartersville, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 30120 in Cartersville, GA, is set by HUD for 2026. For a two-bedroom unit, the FMR is $1370 per month. This figure represents 19.0% of the median household income of $86,581 in the area. However, the actual rental market in Cartersville is significantly higher. According to Zillow, the median price for a two-bedroom home is $228,545, which translates to a monthly rent of approximately $1381 based on a typical mortgage payment. The price-to-FMR ratio is 13.9x, indicating that actual rents are much higher than the FMR. This means that voucher holders face significant constraints in finding affordable housing. They would need to locate units renting below the FMR, which could be challenging given the high actual rental rates. #### Affordability & Renter Profile The population of Cartersville is 44,896, with 27.2% of residents being renters. The occupancy rate stands at 90.3%, suggesting a relatively tight rental market. Given the median household income of $86,581, the majority of residents can afford homes priced at the Zillow median. However, for those relying on Section 8 vouchers, the situation is more challenging. The FMR of $1370 for a two-bedroom unit is only a fraction of what most units are actually renting for. This indicates that the market is not particularly favorable for low-income renters who depend on government assistance. The high price-to-FMR ratio also suggests that there is limited inventory of affordable rental units available, making it difficult for voucher holders to find suitable housing. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 30120 offers mixed opportunities. The actual rental market is robust, with median prices for two-bedroom homes being $228,545, translating to a monthly rent of around $1381. However, the FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1370, which is very close to the actual market rent. This means that investors who rely solely on Section 8 vouchers might struggle to achieve positive cash flow, especially when factoring in maintenance costs, property taxes, and other expenses. The investment grade for properties in this ZIP code would likely be moderate, as the market is competitive and the demand for affordable housing is high, but the supply is limited. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Affordable Units**: Investors should focus on acquiring properties that can be rented at or slightly above the FMR. A two-bedroom unit renting for $1370-$1450 would be more attractive to voucher holders and could ensure steady occupancy. This range aligns closely with the FMR and would provide a reasonable return on investment. 2. **Consider Multi-Family Properties**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, multi-family properties might offer better opportunities for cash flow. For example, a three-bedroom unit renting for $1640 would still be within reach for some voucher holders, especially if they have additional income sources. This could help mitigate the risk of vacancy and ensure a stable tenant base. 3. **Engage with Local Housing Authorities**: Building relationships with local housing authorities can provide insights into the availability of vouchers and potential tenants. This can help investors navigate the complexities of the Section 8 program and secure long-term leases with reliable tenants. #### Bottom Line Given the high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight rental market, the recommendation for Section 8-focused investors in ZIP code 30120 is to **Skip**. While there is demand for affordable housing, the actual rental prices far exceed the FMR, making it difficult to achieve positive cash flow. Additionally, the limited supply of affordable units means that competition for these properties will be fierce, potentially driving up acquisition costs. Investors looking to enter the Section 8 market in Cartersville should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions.

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.