Location: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Metro: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,506 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,032 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,184 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 30168, which covers Austell, Georgia, in Cobb County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $1600 per month for fiscal year 2024. Meanwhile, the local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $1,875. This discrepancy is crucial for understanding the financial dynamics involved when a landlord participates in the Section 8 program.
A voucher holder will pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For simplicity, let's assume an average adjusted income of $1,600 (this figure can vary widely based on individual circumstances). In this case, the tenant would contribute $480 towards the rent. The remaining amount is covered by the government up to the SAFMR limit. Therefore, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1,120 ($1,600 x 0.30 = $480; $1,600 - $480 = $1,120).
However, the actual reimbursement process includes additional considerations such as utility allowances. For ZIP 30168, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $350 per month. This brings the total reimbursement to the landlord to $1,470 ($1,120 + $350).
To summarize, landlords should expect a net reimbursement of $1,470 per month for a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program. Given the SAFMR of $1600, this leaves a potential surplus of $130 if the tenant's income is exactly at the assumed level of $1,600. However, if the local market rent is considered, there is a reimbursement gap of $405 ($1,875 - $1,470).
This gap or surplus must be factored into the decision to accept Section 8 tenants. Landlords should carefully assess their costs, including maintenance and vacancy rates, against these figures to determine if participating in the program aligns with their financial goals.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.