Location: Meriwether County, GA | Metro: Meriwether 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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,080 | $258,108 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 30218, located in Meriwether County, Georgia, is favorable but requires careful consideration. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1330 for fiscal year 2024. In contrast, the Census ACS reports a market rent of $1,422. This indicates that landlords can potentially charge slightly above the FMR, capturing a modest premium in a competitive rental market.
Regarding property acquisition, the median home value of $266,258 makes it relatively affordable for small-portfolio investors. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts suggests that while the cost is low, the liquidity and negotiation dynamics of the market are unclear. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence to understand local market conditions and trends.
Tenant demand in ZIP 30218 is moderate. With a total population of 1,597, the 26.0% renter share translates to approximately 415 potential tenants. This number is sufficient to support rental properties, though it limits the scale of investment to smaller portfolios. Landlords must ensure their properties meet the needs of this demographic to attract and retain tenants.
In summary, ZIP 30218 presents a viable opportunity for real estate investment, particularly for those focusing on rental properties. The rent math supports reasonable returns, and the median home value is within reach for most investors. However, the limited data on market dynamics and the small pool of potential tenants necessitate a cautious approach. Landlords should focus on efficient property management and maintaining competitive rents to maximize occupancy and profitability.
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.