Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30215 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30215

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,730
1 Bedroom	$1,800
2 Bedrooms	$1,960
3 Bedrooms	$2,340
4 Bedrooms	$2,770
5 Bedrooms	$3,213
6 Bedrooms	$3,599
7 Bedrooms	$3,887
8 Bedrooms	$4,081

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,960	$287,958	0.68%	D
3BR	$2,340	$344,672	0.68%	D
4BR	$2,770	$485,113	0.57%	F
5BR	$3,213	$693,566	0.46%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30215 (Fayetteville, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures for ZIP code 30215 in 2026 indicate that a 2-bedroom unit should cost around $2,060 per month. However, the actual rental market is significantly higher, with Zillow reporting a median price of $284,695 for a 2-bedroom home. This translates into a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,150 based on a typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4%, which is well below the FMR. The price-to-FMR ratio of 11.5x suggests that the actual purchase price of homes is much higher than what would be considered fair rent under the Section 8 program. For voucher holders, this means that finding affordable housing within the FMR guidelines is challenging. The median rent for a 2-bedroom unit is likely to exceed the $2,060 FMR by a significant margin, making it difficult for tenants to find units that accept their vouchers without substantial out-of-pocket expenses. The constraints for voucher holders include limited availability of units that accept their vouchers and higher costs compared to the FMR. #### Affordability & Renter Profile ZIP code 30215 has a relatively high median household income of $118,436, which suggests that the residents have a strong financial standing. With only 15.4% of the population being renters, the market is predominantly owner-occupied, indicating a tight rental market. The occupancy rate of 98.3% further supports this notion, showing that nearly all available units are occupied, leaving little room for new rentals. Given the high median income and low percentage of renters, the typical renter in this area is likely to be financially stable and able to afford higher rents. However, the high price-to-FMR ratio indicates that the rental market is not aligned with the affordability standards set by the government. This mismatch could lead to a situation where voucher holders struggle to find suitable housing, while non-voucher holders may still find the market competitive but manageable due to their financial capabilities. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 30215 presents a mixed picture. While the FMRs provide a guideline for rental pricing, the actual purchase prices of homes are much higher, leading to a price-to-FMR ratio of 11.5x. This means that an investor buying a property at the median price of $284,695 would need to charge around $1,150 per month to break even on mortgage payments alone, assuming a 4% interest rate. To achieve a positive cash flow, the investor would need to charge significantly more than the FMR, potentially up to $2,060 or higher. However, given the high median income and tight rental market, there is a strong likelihood that investors can command higher rents. The challenge lies in finding properties that are willing to accept Section 8 vouchers, as the high purchase prices may deter some landlords from participating in the program due to the lower rental income relative to market rates. In terms of investment grade, the ZIP code 30215 appears to be a solid investment due to the strong economic indicators and high demand for housing. However, the alignment with Section 8 requirements is problematic, as the actual rents far exceed the FMRs. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Multi-Family Properties**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, single-family homes may not be the best option for achieving positive cash flow under Section 8 guidelines. Instead, investors should consider multi-family properties, such as duplexes or small apartment complexes, where they can spread the costs across multiple units and potentially charge higher rents per unit. 2. **Seek Out Affordable Units**: Investors should actively search for units that are priced closer to the FMR guidelines. This might involve looking at older properties or those in less desirable locations within the ZIP code. For example, a 2-bedroom unit priced at $2,060 per month would be more attractive to voucher holders and could ensure better occupancy rates. 3. **Engage with Local Housing Authorities**: Building relationships with local housing authorities can help investors understand the specific needs and requirements of voucher holders. This could lead to opportunities to negotiate higher rents or to receive additional subsidies that make the investment more viable. #### Bottom Line For investors focusing on Section 8 vouchers, ZIP code 30215 presents a challenging environment due to the high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight rental market. While the overall economic conditions are favorable, the mismatch between purchase prices and FMR guidelines makes it difficult to achieve positive cash flow solely through Section 8 rents. Therefore, the recommendation is to **Skip** this ZIP code for Section 8-focused investments unless you can find units priced significantly below the median or engage in creative financing strategies to bridge the gap between purchase prices and allowable rents. ### Summary ZIP code 30215 in Fayetteville, GA, is characterized by a high median household income and a tight rental market. The Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are substantially lower than the actual median rents, making it difficult for Section 8 voucher holders to find affordable housing. Investors should focus on multi-family properties and seek out affordable units to maximize their chances of success. Engaging with local housing authorities can also provide valuable insights and potential subsidies. Overall, the recommendation is to skip this ZIP code for Section 8-focused investments unless specific strategies are employed to address the high price-to-FMR ratio.

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.