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 | $1,520 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,720 | $166,469 | 1.03% | B |
| 3BR | $2,050 | $217,500 | 0.94% | C |
| 4BR | $2,430 | $257,672 | 0.94% | C |
| 5BR | $2,819 | $283,041 | 1% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 30296 (Riverdale, GA) on the yield and stability axes reveals a market that offers a balance between potential returns and tenant reliability. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30296 is set at $1,820 for fiscal year 2024, which is notably higher than the market rent of $1,662. This indicates a potential for above-market rental yields when properties are rented out at the FMR rate. The median home value of $228,266 suggests that there is significant equity available in the housing stock, but it also implies that flipping properties might not be as lucrative due to the relatively high property values compared to rental income.
Moving to the stability axis, the rental market shows some signs of volatility. With only 32.6% of residents being renters, the demand for rental properties is somewhat limited. Additionally, the average days on market (DOM) for rental listings stands at 57 days, which is longer than ideal and suggests a slower pace of finding tenants. However, the median household income of $63,292 provides a degree of financial stability among the renting population, indicating that those who do rent are likely to be able to afford their rent payments.
Based on these figures, ZIP 30296 does not fit neatly into either a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a middle ground. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect to achieve higher-than-average rental yields by setting rents at the FMR rate, but they should also anticipate a market where securing tenants could take longer than in more densely populated rental markets. The combination of a slightly above-average rental price and a moderate level of financial stability among renters makes this area suitable for investors looking for a blend of decent returns and manageable risk.
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.