Location: Polk County, GA | Metro: Rome, GA MSA
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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,650 | $289,070 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $1,926 | $243,800 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30124 presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with the market rent set at $1,063 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,130 for FY 2024. This disparity can lead to frequent changes in occupancy, as tenants who qualify for Section 8 might find it difficult to afford higher rents once their subsidy expires. Vacancy exposure is another issue, as the days on market (DOM) for rental properties is not available, making it hard to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. Additionally, the typical home value in the area stands at $251,716, while the median household income is only $65,078. This suggests that many homeowners may be financially stretched, potentially leading to deferred maintenance on rental properties.
Despite these risks, there are factors that mitigate the challenges of being a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 30124. The renter share of the population is 30.1%, indicating a relatively high concentration of renters. High renter density often correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and reduce vacancy periods. Furthermore, the presence of a substantial number of renters can create a steady pool of potential tenants, helping to maintain consistent occupancy even if some tenants leave due to the expiration of their subsidies.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.