Location: Gordon County, GA | Metro: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, 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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,490 | $312,849 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,800 | $328,462 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $430,404 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30171 in Bartow County, Georgia, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a total population of 3,254 residents, it has a relatively low rental rate of 13.8%, indicating that most homeowners in this area own their homes outright. The median income for residents is $73,409, which is above the national average, suggesting a comfortable standard of living for many. However, the median home value of $376,332 is notably higher than both the state and national averages, making homeownership a significant financial commitment.
When it comes to Section 8 vouchers, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30171 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,690. This is significantly higher than the market rent of $1,349 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This discrepancy indicates that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can potentially charge higher rents compared to the market average, which could be advantageous for those looking to maximize their rental income. The higher FMR also suggests that there might be a shortage of affordable housing units that meet the quality standards required by the Section 8 program, leading to increased competition for these units among voucher holders.
Based on the data signature, ZIP 30171 appears to be in a stable condition. The relatively high median income and median home value suggest that the area is economically sound, with a strong local economy supporting homeownership. While the rental market is not the primary focus of this ZIP code, the availability of Section 8 vouchers at a higher rate than the market average could attract more renters to the area, particularly those who are price-sensitive. For small-portfolio investors and landlords, accepting Section 8 vouchers can provide a steady stream of rental income, albeit with some administrative overhead. Given the stable nature of the ZIP code, the potential benefits of participating in the Section 8 program outweigh the risks, especially considering the higher FMR compared to market rates.
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.