Location: Union County, GA | Metro: Lumpkin County, 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,192 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,455 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $313,878 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,420 | $414,342 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $1,890 | $580,016 | 0.33% | F |
| 5BR | $2,192 | $726,162 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30512, located in Blairsville, GA, presents an interesting balance between yield and stability. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $990, which is notably higher than the local market rent of $815. This suggests that there is potential for above-market rental yields if properties can be leased out at the metro FMR rate. However, the median home value of $379,363 indicates that the capital investment required for purchasing property in this area is substantial.
Moving to the stability axis, the rental market shows some signs of volatility. Only 15.9% of residents are renters, which is a relatively low percentage, indicating a smaller pool of potential tenants. The average days on market (DOM) for homes is 91 days, suggesting that it could take longer than average to find a tenant or sell a property. Additionally, the median household income is $66,642, which is a key figure for assessing the financial stability of potential tenants.
Based on these figures, ZIP 30512 does not fit neatly into either a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it falls somewhere in between. The potential for higher rental yields exists due to the disparity between the metro FMR and the local market rent, but this must be weighed against the challenges posed by a smaller rental population and potentially longer vacancy periods. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these factors carefully when evaluating the risk and reward of investing in Blairsville, GA.
To summarize, the yield potential is driven by the $990 metro FMR versus the $815 local market rent, while stability concerns arise from the 15.9% renter population, 91-day DOM, and $66,642 median income. These specifics paint a picture of a market that offers opportunities for yield enhancement but requires careful management to ensure stable cash flows.
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.