Location: Athens-Clarke 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 | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $284,538 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
9.1% of residents in ZIP 30627 are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties. However, the $1020 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for zip code FY 2024 suggests that there is room for landlords to set competitive rents without exceeding the maximum allowable under Section 8 guidelines. In comparison, the $500 market rent reported by the Census ACS highlights a significant opportunity for landlords participating in the Section 8 program to attract tenants who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing.
The median home value of $255,470 provides context on the overall property values in the area, which can influence rental expectations and property management costs. With a median income of $75,000, tenants in ZIP 30627 have the potential to afford higher rents, but the reality is that many still seek affordable options, making the Section 8 program an attractive solution for both tenants and landlords.
While the data does not specify the average days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price-cut share, these metrics would typically be useful for understanding how quickly properties are rented out and whether landlords are adjusting their rents to match market conditions. The absence of such data means that landlords must rely on other indicators, such as the FMR and market rent figures, to make informed decisions about pricing and occupancy.
In ZIP 30627, the disparity between the FMR and the current market rent underscores the value proposition for landlords who can leverage the Section 8 program to secure steady tenancy at rates that meet their financial goals. Given the relatively low renter share and the median income levels, it's clear that the program can help fill a critical gap in the local housing market.
Verdict: ZIP 30627 presents a viable opportunity for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program, offering a balance between affordability and profitability.
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.