Location: Jackson County, GA | Metro: Banks 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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,297 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,779 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,918 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $219,239 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $314,746 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $1,980 | $397,527 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 investment in ZIP code 30529 in Commerce, GA, include high tenant turnover and significant vacancy exposure. At a market rent of $1,450, which is notably higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,170 for FY 2026 in the metro area, landlords might experience frequent turnover as tenants seek more affordable housing options. This can lead to increased administrative costs and time spent on tenant screening and lease signing.
Vacancy exposure is another concern due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM), which indicates uncertainty about how quickly rental units can be filled. Given the typical home value of $324,213 and the median income of $62,168, landlords must also consider the possibility of deferred maintenance costs. The median income suggests that many residents may struggle to afford higher rents, increasing the likelihood of property neglect and the need for repairs.
However, these risks are tempered by the high renter share in the area, which stands at 38.0%. High renter density generally translates into greater demand for rental properties, including those accepting Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover, as there is a larger pool of potential tenants who are likely to be interested in affordable housing options.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 30529.
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.