Location: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, 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 | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,876 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,020 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,700 | $366,669 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,050 | $498,498 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $2,378 | $590,802 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP code 30277 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $1910 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the unique rental market conditions here. The local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rental Index), stands at $2,000 per month, indicating a slight premium over the SAFMR.
When a landlord accepts a Section 8 voucher, the payment structure is designed to cover the majority of the rent. The voucher pays up to the SAFMR, which is $1910 in this case. However, the total reimbursement is not just the SAFMR; it also includes the tenant's contribution and any utility allowances.
Tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 for tenants in this area, the tenant would contribute approximately $450 towards the monthly rent. Additionally, there is a standard utility allowance that varies but typically ranges around $300-$400 per month for a two-bedroom unit. Therefore, the total reimbursement a landlord can expect is the SAFMR plus the tenant's contribution and utility allowance.
To calculate the exact amount, let’s add the tenant's contribution and utility allowance to the SAFMR. With a tenant contribution of $450 and a utility allowance of $350, the total reimbursement would be:
This calculation shows that the total reimbursement exceeds the local market rent of $2,000 by $710. However, the actual reimbursement to the landlord is capped at the SAFMR, which is $1910. Therefore, the landlord receives $1910 from the government and the remaining $710 from the tenant, totaling $2,660 if all factors align perfectly.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 30277 is a surplus of $660 when considering the local market rent of $2,000. This surplus arises because the combined contributions of the government and tenant exceed the ZORI by a significant margin. Landlords should consider these figures carefully when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program in this ZIP code.
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.