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 | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,366 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,862 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,005 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,440 | $131,219 | 1.1% | B |
| 3BR | $1,720 | $227,320 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $2,040 | $289,095 | 0.71% | D |
| 5BR | $2,366 | $342,135 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 30291, Union City, GA, is ripe for investment due to favorable cash flow opportunities. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,530 per month for fiscal year 2024, falls below the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), which stands at $1,821. This discrepancy means that landlords can expect marginal cash flow when renting to voucher tenants at the HUD FMR, but the situation improves significantly with higher-end units.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, consider the median home value of $239,362. At the ZORI rate, the annual rent would be approximately $21,852, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of roughly 9%. This ratio suggests that rental income is modest relative to property values, yet still provides a solid return on investment.
The median days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is 26 days, indicating a brisk pace of sales activity. Additionally, the low price-cut share of just 0.2% suggests that homes are selling close to their asking prices, reflecting a stable and robust local real estate market.
Investors should note that while cash flow is positive with premium units, the area's strong stability and potential for modest appreciation make it an attractive option for those looking to build a consistent and reliable real estate portfolio. The strongest angle for investors in Union City, GA, remains stability, given the low price-cut share and quick sales turnover.
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.