Location: Jackson County, GA | Metro: Jackson 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,280 | $294,434 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $366,686 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $425,694 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $2,482 | $547,683 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 30549 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Jefferson, GA, Jackson County, GA metro area, set at $1,200 for fiscal year 2026, falls significantly short of the market rent, which stands at $1,709 (ZORI). This gap indicates that landlords may struggle to cover costs and maintain profitability if they adhere strictly to the FMR guidelines.
Acquisition in ZIP 30549 is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $413,729. The average Days on Market (DOM) of 43 days suggests that homes are selling fairly quickly, indicating a steady demand. Additionally, the low 0.3% price-cut share reveals that sellers are not frequently lowering their asking prices, which supports the notion that the market is stable and potentially undervalued relative to other areas.
Tenant demand in ZIP 30549 is moderate. With a total population of 32,075, approximately 16.5% are renters. This translates to roughly 5,285 potential tenants. While this number is not negligible, it's important to note that the overall rental share is lower compared to many urban areas, suggesting a smaller pool of renters relative to homeowners.
In conclusion, while the acquisition costs in ZIP 30549 are reasonable and homes sell quickly, the disparity between the FMR and market rent poses a challenge for landlords aiming to cover operational expenses. Tenant demand exists but is limited, making it crucial for investors to focus on properties that can command higher rents or offer significant cost-saving opportunities to ensure viability in this market. Landlords should be prepared for a balance between rental income and the need to attract tenants in a moderately competitive environment.
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.