Location: Polk County, GA | Metro: Haralson County, 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $840 | $122,209 | 0.69% | D |
| 2BR | $1,080 | $123,568 | 0.87% | C |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $225,735 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $313,224 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $1,798 | $401,497 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The renter's perspective in ZIP 30125, Cedartown, Georgia, highlights a significant challenge in housing affordability. The median income for households in this area stands at $58,192, which makes it difficult for many residents to meet the market rate of $879 for rent. This figure represents a substantial portion of their monthly earnings, leaving little room for other expenses.
To put this into context, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for zip code 30125 in fiscal year 2024 is $980. This means that even the government-set standard for affordable housing exceeds the current market rate by $101. For renters, this suggests that they would need to find units priced below the market rate to comfortably fit within their budget.
Cedartown has a rental population of 24,324, with 36.1% of residents being renters. Given these numbers, there is a notable competition among landlords to attract tenants. The affordability gap between the median income and both the market rate and FMR indicates that many potential renters may struggle to pay even the lower of these rates without assistance.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: voucher tenants provide a guaranteed source of income through the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays up to $980 per month. This can be a more stable option compared to relying on market-rate rents, especially given the financial constraints faced by many local households. Landlords should weigh the benefits of voucher stability against the potential for higher rents from cash-paying tenants who can afford the market rate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.