Location: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $221,112 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,190 | $302,293 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $421,653 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1270 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for ZIP code 30185, Whitesburg, GA, for fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum rent allowed for a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program. 807 is the average market rent for the same area, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which suggests that properties meeting the FMR criteria can be rented at a premium compared to the local market rate. 315,709 is the median home value in ZIP 30185, reflecting the substantial investment required to enter the housing market in this region. 8.6 is the percentage of households in the area that are renters, a figure that underscores the limited demand for rental properties relative to homeownership. 72,304 is the median income for the area, which is important for assessing the financial stability of potential tenants and their ability to afford rents close to the FMR. The data does not provide a specific number for days on market (DOM), but this absence could imply a steady flow of tenancy or a lack of detailed reporting. 0.2 is the percentage of homes that have been listed at a reduced price, suggesting that most properties in the area are sold at or near their asking price, which bodes well for maintaining property values.
Investors should note that the gap between the 1270 FMR and the 807 market rent provides a significant opportunity to leverage the Section 8 program for higher rental income. However, the 8.6% renter share indicates that competition for tenants may be fierce, necessitating well-maintained properties to attract stable Section 8 participants. Given the 72,304 median income, it is advisable to target properties that are within reach of typical household budgets while still meeting the 1270 FMR requirement. The 0.2% price-cut share suggests that pricing properties accurately will minimize the need for discounts, thereby preserving investment returns.
A final consideration for investors is the overall economic health of the area, which the 72,304 median income helps to gauge. This figure is critical in determining the viability of long-term investments, as it reflects the earning power of the local population. In summary, ZIP 30185 offers a balanced opportunity for Section 8 investors, with a favorable FMR-market rent spread and a robust median home value, but with challenges posed by a relatively low renter share and median income. The verdict on investing in Section 8 properties here is cautiously optimistic, contingent upon careful selection of properties and tenants.
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.