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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,390 | $344,034 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $1,660 | $453,948 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for evaluating whether to purchase properties in ZIP code 30206 for Section 8 investment hinges on three critical questions.
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,380 cover the debt service on a property valued at $368,938?
If the annual debt service for a property costing $368,938 is less than or equal to $16,560 ($1,380 monthly), then the answer is yes. This means that the rental income would be sufficient to meet mortgage obligations and other fixed costs associated with the property. However, if the debt service exceeds this amount, the answer is no, making the investment unviable without additional income sources or cost reductions.
2) Is the market rent of $1,298 above, at, or below the FMR?
The market rent is below the FMR, indicating that properties in ZIP 30206 are undervalued relative to what tenants can afford under Section 8 guidelines. This suggests potential for higher rents, which could improve the financial viability of the investment. However, it also implies that there might be challenges in justifying rent increases to tenants accustomed to lower rates.
3) Are 17.3% of residents renting and the days on market (DOM) sufficient to ensure demand?
The rental rate of 17.3% indicates moderate demand for rental properties. However, the lack of data on DOM makes it difficult to assess how quickly units might be filled. If the DOM is low, indicating quick turnover, the answer is yes, there is enough demand. If DOM is high, suggesting difficulty in finding tenants, the answer shifts to it depends, as other factors such as location within the zip code and property condition become crucial.
To summarize:
Use these criteria to make an informed decision about purchasing in ZIP 30206 for Section 8 investments.
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.