Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30157 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30157

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	$1,510
1 Bedroom	$1,570
2 Bedrooms	$1,710
3 Bedrooms	$2,040
4 Bedrooms	$2,420
5 Bedrooms	$2,807
6 Bedrooms	$3,144
7 Bedrooms	$3,396
8 Bedrooms	$3,566

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	$1,710	$262,985	0.65%	D
3BR	$2,040	$297,589	0.69%	D
4BR	$2,420	$377,124	0.64%	D
5BR	$2,807	$429,461	0.65%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30157 (Dallas, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics In ZIP code 30157, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom unit is set at $1780 per month for 2026. This figure represents 22.8% of the median household income in the area, which stands at $93,625. However, the actual rental market is significantly higher. The Zillow median price for a two-bedroom home is $264,542, translating into a price-to-FMR ratio of 12.4 times. This suggests that the actual rent prices far exceed the FMR, making it challenging for Section 8 voucher holders to find suitable housing. For instance, if we assume a typical rental rate based on the Zillow median, the monthly rent could be around $1,200 to $1,500, which is still above the FMR but potentially more affordable than the median home price. The constraints for voucher holders are evident in the disparity between FMR and actual rents. Landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers must agree to rent their properties at rates that do not exceed the FMR. Given the high cost of living in Dallas, GA, landlords might be disinclined to accept vouchers due to the lower potential rental income compared to market rates. This could lead to a shortage of available units for voucher holders, exacerbating the issue of affordable housing. #### Affordability & Renter Profile ZIP code 30157 has a population of 53,445, with 16.9% of residents being renters. The occupancy rate is quite high at 93.6%, indicating a tight rental market. The median household income of $93,625 suggests that the majority of residents are middle to upper-middle class, which aligns with the relatively high Zillow median price for homes. The renter demographic likely includes young professionals, families, and individuals who cannot afford to purchase homes at these prices. Given the high occupancy rate and the relatively low percentage of renters, the rental market is likely competitive. With only 16.9% of the population renting, there is a limited pool of potential tenants, which could make it difficult for landlords to fill vacancies quickly. Additionally, the high price-to-FMR ratio indicates that the market is not particularly affordable for those relying solely on Section 8 vouchers. This tight market dynamic means that landlords can charge higher rents, further widening the gap between FMR and actual rents. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 30157 presents both opportunities and challenges. The FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1780, but the actual rental market is much higher, with the Zillow median suggesting a range of $1,200 to $1,500 per month. If an investor purchases a property and rents it out at the FMR, they would need to ensure that the property’s expenses, including mortgage payments, maintenance, and other costs, do not exceed the FMR. To determine if this ZIP code is cash-flow positive at FMR, let's consider a hypothetical scenario. Suppose an investor buys a two-bedroom home for $264,542 and finances it with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of 5%. The monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $1,400. Adding in estimated maintenance costs of $100 and property taxes of $200, the total monthly expenses would be around $1,700. At an FMR of $1780, the investor would have a very slim margin for profit, if any. Therefore, while the market is strong, the FMR does not provide significant cash flow for investors. The investment grade for this ZIP code would be moderate to low, given the tight market and the challenge of finding properties that can be rented out at a profit using Section 8 vouchers. Investors should carefully evaluate the potential returns and risks associated with this market before committing to a purchase. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Target Properties Below FMR**: Investors should focus on acquiring properties that can be rented out at or below the FMR. For example, a two-bedroom home priced at $1780 or less would be more attractive to voucher holders and could potentially generate a small profit if expenses are managed well. 2. **Consider Multi-Family Units**: Given the high occupancy rate and limited number of renters, multi-family units such as duplexes or small apartment buildings might offer better returns. These units can spread the cost of ownership across multiple tenants, potentially increasing cash flow even when individual rents are capped by FMR. 3. **Engage with Local Housing Authorities**: To increase the likelihood of finding tenants who use Section 8 vouchers, investors should establish relationships with local housing authorities. This can help streamline the process and ensure a steady stream of qualified tenants. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, ZIP code 30157 presents a challenging environment due to the high actual rental prices and the tight market conditions. While the median household income is relatively high, the limited number of renters and the high occupancy rate suggest that the market is not particularly favorable for those seeking to generate significant cash flow through Section 8 vouchers. **Recommendation**: Skip. The high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight rental market make it difficult for investors to achieve positive cash flow using Section 8 vouchers. Instead, investors might want to explore areas with lower actual rental prices relative to FMR or consider alternative investment strategies that do not rely solely on government subsidies.

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.