Location: Jackson County, GA | Metro: Gainesville, GA MSA
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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,529 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,059 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,212 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,480 | $253,180 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,800 | $324,644 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $2,180 | $411,717 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30543, located in Gillsville, Georgia, presents a nuanced rental market scenario for both renters and landlords. The median household income stands at $67,407, which must be weighed against the $1,352 market rate for rent according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This implies that a significant portion of a household’s annual income—approximately 24%—is allocated towards rent alone.
To put this into perspective, let's consider the financial burden on renters. A household earning the median income would spend roughly $16,224 per year on rent based on the market rate. Given that the median income is $67,407, this leaves a disposable income of $51,183 after covering the basic housing cost. However, this calculation does not factor in other essential expenses such as utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation, which can further strain household finances.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30543 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,460, slightly above the current market rate. For landlords, this means that the government subsidy through Section 8 vouchers will cover a higher rent amount than what is typically charged. This can be seen as an opportunity to receive a more stable income, albeit at a rate that might be below the market peak but still competitive.
With only 19.9% of the 6,238 population being renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low compared to densely populated areas. However, the affordability gap between the median income and the market rate rent highlights a potential challenge for landlords who may face difficulties in attracting tenants willing to pay the market rate. This gap suggests that many households might lean towards subsidized housing options to ease their financial burden.
The takeaway for landlords considering their strategy in ZIP 30543 is clear. While accepting Section 8 vouchers might limit the ability to charge premium rents, it ensures a steady stream of income and access to a segment of the market that is otherwise constrained by the high cost of living relative to income levels. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the potential for higher cash rents, keeping in mind the overall economic conditions and tenant preferences in Gillsville.
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.