Location: Upson County, GA | Metro: Monroe County, 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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $140,109 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $262,504 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $354,377 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $1,752 | $399,880 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 30204 (Barnesville, GA), a skeptical investor might raise several concerns regarding the viability of Section 8 investments. Here are some common objections and the data to address them:
Will FMR $1050 (zip FY 2024) cover the mortgage on a $261,488 home? To evaluate this, we must consider the prevailing mortgage rates. Assuming a typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20% down payment, the principal amount would be $209,190.40. With current mortgage rates around 6%, the monthly mortgage payment for a $261,488 home would be approximately $1,250. Given the FMR of $1,050 for a two-bedroom home, it would not fully cover the mortgage payment. However, it's important to note that this calculation assumes no additional income from other sources, such as property management fees or subsidies.
Is there enough renter demand at 27.7%? The rental market demand in ZIP 30204 stands at 27.7%. While this percentage may seem low, it reflects a stable demand for rental properties. According to recent data, the majority of the housing stock in Barnesville consists of single-family homes, which suggests that there is a significant portion of the population that could benefit from rental options. Additionally, the growth in rental listings and inquiries indicates a steady interest in the area.
Will vouchers keep pace with $865 market rents? The HUD Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 30204 for FY 2024 is $1,050, which exceeds the current market rent of $865. This suggests that vouchers are likely to cover the market rent, ensuring that landlords receive a competitive rate. However, it's crucial to monitor the trends in both voucher usage and market rents to ensure long-term stability. Historical data shows a gradual increase in FMRs, indicating that vouchers are generally keeping pace with market conditions.
While the data provides a comprehensive overview, it's important to stay informed about local economic changes and policy updates that could affect these trends. Regularly reviewing the HUD FMRs and local real estate market reports can help maintain accurate projections and informed investment decisions.
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.