Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30602 - 2027

Location: Athens-Clarke County, GA | Metro: Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,050
1 Bedroom	$1,070
2 Bedrooms	$1,230
3 Bedrooms	$1,570
4 Bedrooms	$1,650
5 Bedrooms	$1,914
6 Bedrooms	$2,144
7 Bedrooms	$2,316
8 Bedrooms	$2,432

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,467

Median Household Income

$N/A

Housing Units

Renter Percentage

N/A

Occupancy Rate

N/A

Renter Occupied

ZIP 30602 in Athens, Georgia, serves as a strong appreciation play within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The median home value in this ZIP code is $299,900, which is slightly below the national median of $338,100. However, the housing market in 30602 has shown significant growth over the past few years. Specifically, the 1-year appreciation rate stands at 15.68%, far exceeding the national average of 8.27%. Over a five-year period, the appreciation rate is even more impressive at 84.7%, compared to the national average of 57.0%. This long-term trend suggests that investing in properties in 30602 can provide substantial capital gains.

To further support this appreciation play, consider the following:

The median monthly rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,480, indicating a robust rental market.
The majority of homes in 30602 were built between 1980 and 2008, suggesting a mix of older and more modern properties that can cater to various tenant needs.
The property tax rate is lower than the national average at $9.86 per $1,000 of assessed value, which can reduce the overall cost of ownership for landlords.

Given the above factors, ZIP 30602 is a compelling choice for investors seeking to grow their portfolios through appreciation. The combination of solid rental demand and a historically high appreciation rate makes this ZIP code an attractive option for generating both rental income and long-term capital gains.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.