Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30553 - 2027

Location: Hart County, GA | Metro: Franklin County, GA

Investment Score for ZIP 30553

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,010

Median Price (2BR)

$206,248

1% Rule

0.49%

Annual Yield

5.88%

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	$780
1 Bedroom	$790
2 Bedrooms	$1,010
3 Bedrooms	$1,200
4 Bedrooms	$1,460
5 Bedrooms	$1,694
6 Bedrooms	$1,897
7 Bedrooms	$2,049
8 Bedrooms	$2,151

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,010	$206,248	0.49%	F
3BR	$1,200	$295,566	0.41%	F
4BR	$1,460	$464,433	0.31%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

8,557

Median Household Income

$52,833

Housing Units

4,669

Renter Percentage

23.3%

Occupancy Rate

74.3%

Renter Occupied

810

Lavonia, Georgia, located in the 30553 ZIP code, is a small town with a growing interest in affordable housing options. The real estate market here reflects a mix of homeownership and rental opportunities, influenced by local economic conditions and federal housing assistance programs.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, applicable to fiscal year 2026, is set at $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a property under the Section 8 program.
The average market rent in Lavonia, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $882. This suggests that properties are currently priced below the FMR, potentially offering landlords a chance to increase rents without losing tenants.
The median home value in the area is $316,660, indicating a middle-class neighborhood where many residents own their homes.
Renters make up 23.3% of the population, showing a significant but not overwhelming reliance on rental properties in the community.
The median income of residents in Lavonia is $52,833, which is slightly above the poverty line but does not necessarily indicate high purchasing power for rental units.
Data on the number of days on market (DOM) is not available, making it difficult to assess how quickly properties are rented out once listed.

In summary, the real estate market in Lavonia, GA, presents a balanced opportunity for both homeowners and renters. With market rents below the FMR, there's potential for landlords to adjust pricing upwards while still remaining competitive. The substantial homeowner base and the relatively low renter share suggest a stable environment for investment, although the lack of DOM data means that the speed at which rental properties are occupied remains unclear. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating the viability of rental properties in the area.

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.