Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30134 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30134

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	$1,300
1 Bedroom	$1,350
2 Bedrooms	$1,470
3 Bedrooms	$1,750
4 Bedrooms	$2,080
5 Bedrooms	$2,413
6 Bedrooms	$2,703
7 Bedrooms	$2,919
8 Bedrooms	$3,065

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,470	$172,975	0.85%	C
3BR	$1,750	$273,122	0.64%	D
4BR	$2,080	$332,040	0.63%	D
5BR	$2,413	$369,850	0.65%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30134 (Douglasville, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 30134, as set by HUD for 2026, is $1480 for a two-bedroom unit. This figure represents 23.2% of the median household income of $76,574, indicating that it is designed to be affordable for low-income families. However, the actual rental market in Douglasville presents a different picture. The Zillow median price for a two-bedroom property is $171,521, which translates into a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $714 assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%. Adding typical costs such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, the total monthly cost for an owner-occupied two-bedroom unit could easily exceed $1000. Given the high price-to-FMR ratio of 9.7x, it is clear that the actual rents in Douglasville far exceed the FMR. For instance, a two-bedroom unit priced at $171,521 would likely rent for around $1400-$1600 per month, which is already above the FMR of $1480. This means that Section 8 voucher holders face significant constraints when trying to find suitable housing within their budget. They might struggle to find landlords willing to accept vouchers due to the discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent. #### Affordability & Renter Profile Douglasville has a population of 47,580, with 34.4% of residents being renters. This indicates a substantial demand for rental properties, but the affordability issue is stark. With a median household income of $76,574, the average renter would find it challenging to afford a two-bedroom unit renting at $1400-$1600 per month. The occupancy rate of 91.7% suggests that the rental market is relatively tight, with most units occupied, leaving limited options for those seeking housing. The renter profile in Douglasville is likely diverse, but the majority would be middle-class individuals and families who can afford the higher rents. Low-income families, particularly those relying on Section 8 vouchers, would find it difficult to secure housing within the FMR guidelines. Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, it is evident that the market is not aligned with the needs of low-income renters, making it a challenging environment for them. #### Investor Angle From an investor's perspective, the ZIP code 30134 presents both opportunities and challenges. The FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1480, but the actual market rent is much higher. If an investor were to purchase a two-bedroom unit for $171,521 and rent it out at the FMR, they would likely face cash flow issues. The typical mortgage payment alone would be around $714, and additional expenses would push the total costs well above the FMR. However, if the investor can secure a tenant willing to pay market rates, the potential for positive cash flow exists. The high occupancy rate of 91.7% suggests strong demand, which could support higher rents. Yet, the challenge lies in finding tenants who can afford these higher rents, especially given the significant portion of the population that relies on Section 8 vouchers. The investment grade for this ZIP code would be moderate to low for Section 8-focused investors. The mismatch between FMR and market rents makes it difficult to achieve positive cash flow while adhering to voucher guidelines. Investors looking to maximize returns would need to consider the broader rental market rather than focusing solely on Section 8 tenants. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Larger Units**: Given the higher FMR for larger units (e.g., 3BR at $1770 and 4BR at $2120), investors should consider purchasing three- or four-bedroom properties. These units have a better chance of attracting tenants willing to pay market rates, thus ensuring positive cash flow. For example, a three-bedroom unit renting at $1770 could cover the mortgage payment of $714 and other expenses, leading to a net positive cash flow. 2. **Consider Non-Section 8 Tenants**: Due to the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors should focus on attracting non-Section 8 tenants who can afford the higher market rents. This strategy would help mitigate the risk of negative cash flow associated with adhering strictly to FMR guidelines. 3. **Evaluate Property Location**: Within Douglasville, certain neighborhoods may offer more affordable rents compared to others. Investors should conduct thorough research to identify areas where rents are closer to the FMR. This could involve examining micro-markets within the ZIP code or considering adjacent ZIP codes with lower price-to-FMR ratios. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the ZIP code 30134 (Douglasville, GA) is not recommended for immediate purchase. The high price-to-FMR ratio and tight rental market make it challenging to achieve positive cash flow while adhering to voucher guidelines. Instead, investors should hold off on buying until they can find properties in more affordable sub-markets or consider investing in larger units where the FMR is closer to market rents. Alternatively, focusing on non-Section 8 tenants who can afford higher rents might be a more viable strategy in this ZIP code.

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.