Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30252 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30252

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	$1,810
1 Bedroom	$1,880
2 Bedrooms	$2,050
3 Bedrooms	$2,440
4 Bedrooms	$2,900
5 Bedrooms	$3,364
6 Bedrooms	$3,768
7 Bedrooms	$4,069
8 Bedrooms	$4,272

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	$2,050	$229,420	0.89%	C
3BR	$2,440	$301,494	0.81%	C
4BR	$2,900	$387,497	0.75%	D
5BR	$3,364	$478,567	0.7%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30252 (McDonough, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 30252, as of 2026, is set at $2080 for a two-bedroom unit. This figure represents 24.8% of the median household income in McDonough, which stands at $100,770. However, it is important to note that the actual rent for a two-bedroom unit on Zillow is listed at $225,582, indicating a price-to-FMR ratio of 9.0x. This means that the actual rental prices are significantly higher than the FMR, creating a challenging environment for Section 8 voucher holders. The voucher program typically covers only up to the FMR, so tenants would need to find properties willing to accept these lower rates or supplement their own funds to meet the higher market rates. #### Affordability & Renter Profile The population of McDonough is 49,554, with only 10.5% being renters. This low percentage suggests that the majority of residents in this area are homeowners, which could indicate a tighter rental market with fewer available units. Given the high median household income, the typical renter profile likely includes individuals or families who are financially stable but may still benefit from affordable housing options. The occupancy rate of 95.9% further supports the idea that the rental market is robust and potentially competitive, with few vacant units available. #### Investor Angle For investors focusing on Section 8 properties, the ZIP code 30252 presents a mixed picture. While the FMR provides a benchmark for rental pricing, the actual market rates are substantially higher. An investor looking to achieve positive cash flow would need to ensure that the property can be rented at or near the FMR. Given the high market rates, it is likely that many landlords will not be willing to accept the lower FMR rates, especially if they can command higher rents due to the strong demand. To determine the investment grade, we must consider the potential for vacancy and the ability to attract tenants. With an occupancy rate of 95.9%, the risk of vacancy is relatively low. However, the challenge lies in finding tenants who can afford the FMR rates without additional financial support. Considering the high median household income, there might be a smaller pool of potential Section 8 tenants compared to areas with lower incomes. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Lower-Rent Units**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors should focus on developing or acquiring properties that can be rented at or below the FMR rates. For instance, a one-bedroom unit at $1900 or a zero-bedroom unit at $1810 would be more attractive to Section 8 voucher holders. These units are more likely to be rented out at the FMR rates, ensuring steady cash flow. 2. **Consider Mixed-Income Developments**: To mitigate the risk of relying solely on Section 8 tenants, investors might consider developing mixed-income housing projects. This approach allows for a blend of market-rate and affordable units, ensuring a diverse tenant base and reducing dependency on government vouchers. 3. **Engage with Local Housing Authorities**: Building relationships with local housing authorities can provide insights into the number of available vouchers and the demand for affordable housing. This knowledge can help investors make informed decisions about the feasibility of Section 8-focused investments in ZIP code 30252. #### Bottom Line Given the high price-to-FMR ratio and the limited number of renters relative to homeowners, ZIP code 30252 is not ideal for investors focusing exclusively on Section 8 properties. The recommendation for such investors is to **Skip** this ZIP code unless they can develop or acquire properties that cater specifically to lower-rent units or engage in mixed-income developments. The strong rental market and high median household income suggest that there may be better opportunities elsewhere for Section 8-focused 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.