Location: Troup County, 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 | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,459 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,974 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,123 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,820 | $262,564 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,120 | $354,553 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a first-time Section 8 landlord investing in ZIP 30220 include tenant turnover, which is likely due to the disparity between the market rent at $1,570 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,560 for FY 2024. This slight difference can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may struggle to afford the slightly higher market rent. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is significant because the days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is listed as N/A, suggesting that it may be challenging to find new tenants promptly, leading to periods of non-rent collection.
Deferred maintenance is another critical issue, given the typical home value of $277,529 and the median income of $72,091. The lower median income compared to the home value implies that residents might have limited funds for maintenance, increasing the likelihood of property neglect over time. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular upkeep to maintain the property's condition and comply with housing standards.
However, these risks are tempered by the high renter density in ZIP 30220, where 14.9% of the population are renters. High renter density often correlates with higher demand for rental assistance vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income through Section 8. This demographic characteristic reduces the overall risk associated with tenant turnover and vacancy exposure.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover and deferred maintenance, the high renter density makes ZIP 30220 a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. The investment requires careful management and an understanding of the local rental market dynamics but offers a viable opportunity for stable returns.
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.