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 | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $234,354 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,570 | $301,064 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $399,095 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30607 in Athens, GA, is characterized by a significant rental population. With a total population of 10,700, 30.0% are renters, indicating a substantial demand for rental properties. The median household income stands at $65,361, which places the average rent of $1,678 at approximately 25.7% of the local median income. This suggests that typical rent consumes a considerable portion of the average household's earnings.
To further analyze the financial landscape, we can compare the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by HUD for the fiscal year 2024, which is set at $1,100 for this ZIP code. The $1,678 market rent exceeds the FMR by about 52.5%, highlighting a gap between market conditions and government subsidies.
This ZIP code is likely to attract tenants who heavily rely on Section 8 vouchers due to the high proportion of renters and the relatively high market rent compared to the median income. Landlords in this area should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals and families seeking affordable housing solutions through government assistance programs. These tenants will be looking for properties that offer a balance between affordability and quality, given the constraints imposed by their voucher amounts.
In conclusion, ZIP 30607 is a renter-heavy area with a strong demand for Section 8 vouchers. Landlords should prepare for a tenant base that requires properties priced close to or below the FMR to remain within budget. The typical tenant will be someone who needs to keep housing costs low to manage other expenses, making it essential for landlords to understand the dynamics of the voucher system and the income levels of potential residents.
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.