Location: Treutlen County, GA | Metro: Montgomery County, GA
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,380 | $207,855 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of Section 8 real estate in ZIP 30445, which encompasses parts of Atlanta, Georgia, reveals a significant gap between the Federal Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the Census ACS data indicates a market rent of $590. This creates a gap of $380, or approximately 60%, between what landlords can expect to receive through the Section 8 program and the prevailing open-market rental rates.
In this context, with 34.8% of residents being renters, a median home value of $143,217, and a median income of $32,392, it's clear that many individuals rely heavily on housing vouchers to afford living spaces. Landlords benefit from this discrepancy as it transforms the ZIP into a yield play; they can lease their properties to voucher holders at a rate higher than what most local renters could pay without assistance, thus increasing their rental income significantly.
The higher FMR compared to the market rent means that voucher tenants effectively subsidize the difference between what the landlord would typically earn and the FMR benchmark. This subsidy allows landlords to charge closer to the FMR rate, which is nearly double the current market rent. It's crucial for landlords to understand that accepting Section 8 vouchers in ZIP 30445 can provide a stable and above-average income stream, despite the overall lower median income levels.
However, landlords must also be aware of the potential costs associated with housing voucher tenants. These costs can include administrative burdens, such as processing paperwork and dealing with inspections, and the risk of reduced control over tenant selection. Despite these considerations, the financial benefits of closing the gap between FMR and market rent through the Section 8 program make it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors in this area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.