Location: Lamar 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,290 | $173,317 | 0.74% | D |
| 3BR | $1,540 | $245,116 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,830 | $321,543 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $2,123 | $411,207 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 30224, located in Griffin, GA, within the Lamar County, GA metro area, serves as a strategic component in a Section 8 portfolio. It is best categorized as a cash-flow anchor due to the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the local market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 30224 is set at $1440, while the market rent stands at $1626. This $186 difference per unit represents a reliable cushion for landlords, ensuring steady cash flow even if market conditions fluctuate.
The median home value in ZIP 30224 is $258,638, which is relatively low compared to other areas in Georgia. This makes property acquisition and management costs more manageable for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The lower median home value also suggests that there is a strong demand for affordable housing, aligning well with the Section 8 program's objective to provide subsidized rental assistance to eligible low-income families.
While ZIP 30224 offers opportunities for appreciation, with only a 0.2% price-cut share and an average Days on Market (DOM) of 59 days, these factors do not outweigh the benefits of the cash-flow stability provided by the significant spread between FMR and market rents. The appreciation potential is modest, indicating that the primary benefit for investors in this ZIP code is the consistent cash flow rather than rapid capital appreciation.
ZIP 30224 can also serve as a diversifier in a larger portfolio, given that 34.1% of residents are renters, and the median income is $70,216. This mix of renters and income levels supports a balanced approach to investment, where properties in ZIP 30224 can be used to stabilize overall portfolio performance. However, the primary focus should remain on leveraging the ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor, as the financial data clearly indicates a favorable environment for maintaining positive cash flow through the Section 8 program.
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.