Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30519 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 30519

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,870
1 Bedroom	$1,970
2 Bedrooms	$2,140
3 Bedrooms	$2,550
4 Bedrooms	$3,030
5 Bedrooms	$3,515
6 Bedrooms	$3,937
7 Bedrooms	$4,252
8 Bedrooms	$4,465

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$2,140	$322,390	0.66%	D
3BR	$2,550	$387,810	0.66%	D
4BR	$3,030	$463,809	0.65%	D
5BR	$3,515	$605,172	0.58%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 30519 (Buford, GA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics In ZIP code 30519, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom unit is set at $2230 per month for 2026. This amount represents 26.1% of the median household income in the area, which stands at $102,553. For Section 8 voucher holders, this means that they can afford units up to the FMR, but the actual rents in the market must be considered to understand the constraints. The Zillow median price for a two-bedroom home in this ZIP code is $323,819. The price-to-FMR ratio is 12.1x, indicating that the median home price is significantly higher than the rent for a similar-sized unit. This suggests that while the FMR provides a guideline for affordable rental housing, it is far below the actual market rents for comparable properties. #### Affordability & Renter Profile The population of Buford, GA, is 59,997, with 24.8% of residents being renters. This indicates that there is a substantial rental market, but it is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters. The occupancy rate is high at 96.5%, suggesting that the rental market is relatively tight, with few vacant units available. Given the median household income of $102,553, the majority of residents are likely to be middle-class families or individuals who can afford homes above the FMR level. The 24.8% of residents who are renters are likely to include those who prefer renting over owning, young professionals, or families who cannot yet afford to purchase a home. However, the high occupancy rate and the significant gap between FMR and market rents suggest that finding affordable housing is challenging for many renters, especially those relying on Section 8 vouchers. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the key question is whether the FMR levels provide a cash-flow positive scenario. Given that the FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $2230, and the Zillow median price for such a unit is $323,819, we need to consider the typical mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Assuming a 20% down payment, a mortgage rate of 5%, and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $1400. Adding property taxes (estimated at 1.2% of the home value), insurance (approximately $100/month), and maintenance costs (around 1% of the home value annually), the total monthly expenses could range from $1700 to $1800. This leaves a potential profit margin of about $430 to $530 per month if the property is rented at the FMR. However, the high price-to-FMR ratio of 12.1x implies that the market rents are much higher than the FMR. If an investor aims to maximize returns, they might find it difficult to attract tenants willing to pay only the FMR, especially given the tight market conditions. Therefore, the investment grade for properties in this ZIP code would be moderate to low for Section 8-focused investors due to the limited number of units that can be rented at FMR levels. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Smaller Units**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors should focus on smaller units like one-bedroom or studio apartments, where the FMR is lower ($2040 and $1930 respectively). These units are more likely to be rented by Section 8 voucher holders, providing a better chance for cash flow positivity. 2. **Consider Location and Amenities**: To attract Section 8 voucher holders, investors should ensure that their properties are well-located and offer basic amenities. Properties in areas with good access to public transportation, schools, and shopping centers are more likely to be occupied by voucher holders. 3. **Rent Stabilization Policies**: Investors should be aware of any local rent stabilization policies that might affect their ability to charge market rates. While Buford, GA, does not have strict rent control laws, understanding the local regulations can help manage expectations and avoid legal issues. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the recommendation for ZIP code 30519 is to **Skip**. The high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight rental market make it challenging to achieve cash flow positivity at the FMR levels. Instead, investors should look for ZIP codes with a lower price-to-FMR ratio and a larger percentage of renters, where the likelihood of attracting Section 8 voucher holders is higher and the financial returns are more predictable.

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.