Location: Banks 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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,180 | $269,747 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $345,862 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $444,558 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 30547, located in Homer, Georgia, within Banks County, reveals a favorable environment for cash flow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, set at $1,190 for fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent of $900 as reported by the Census ACS. This gap indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at FMR levels, providing a substantial buffer for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $379,509. With a market rent of $900, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.34%, suggesting that rental income alone may not fully justify the purchase price for homeowners. However, for Section 8 investors, the higher FMR of $1,190 increases the effective rent-to-price ratio to about 0.41%, making the investment more attractive due to the guaranteed income.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this market do not show significant price-cutting or extended days on market (DOM), both of which are marked as N/A. This suggests a stable market where homes maintain their value and are sold without needing to reduce asking prices or remain unsold for long periods. The stability of the housing market supports the overall investment strategy, ensuring that property values remain consistent.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 30547 is cash flow, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This allows investors to generate positive cash flow while also benefiting from the stability of the local real estate market.
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.