Location: Jackson County, GA | Metro: Athens-Clarke County, 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $324,919 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for ZIP code 30565 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the actual market rents reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). For fiscal year 2024, the FMR in ZIP 30565 is set at $1160, while the ACS reports an average market rent of $991. This means that the FMR is $169 higher than the market rent, representing a 17.05% premium.
This gap is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 housing vouchers. The FMR being above the market rent suggests that voucher tenants can potentially offer a higher yield compared to non-voucher tenants. By accepting Section 8 tenants, landlords can charge closer to the FMR, thus securing a rental income that exceeds the current market rate. This strategy can be particularly beneficial in ZIP 30565 where only 20.1% of residents are renters, indicating a smaller pool of potential tenants competing for rental properties.
The median home value in ZIP 30565 is $344,429, which places it in a middle to upper-middle-class neighborhood. With a median household income of $75,179, many residents could afford to purchase homes rather than rent. However, the availability of Section 8 vouchers can attract a different segment of the population who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing in this area.
Accepting Section 8 tenants also comes with considerations regarding the cost of housing below open-market rates. While the premium of $169 per unit is attractive, landlords must factor in the administrative overhead associated with participating in the program. Additionally, the tenant mix can affect property maintenance costs and the overall desirability of the units. Despite these factors, the higher FMR compared to the market rent makes ZIP 30565 a favorable location for landlords looking to maximize their rental yields through Section 8 participation.
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.