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 | $319,064 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,650 | $390,176 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30628 hosts a population of 6,624 residents, with 16.5% of them being renters. This indicates that it is not a heavily rental-oriented area, but rather a neighborhood where homeownership is more prevalent. The median household income stands at $70,139, which provides a solid economic foundation for potential tenants.
The typical market rent in this area is $956, representing approximately 14% of the median household income. This suggests that rent is relatively affordable compared to the average income level, making it easier for tenants to manage their monthly expenses without significant financial strain.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP code is set at $920 for fiscal year 2024, slightly below the current market rent. This discrepancy means that landlords may need to adjust their expectations if they wish to attract tenants using Section 8 vouchers, as the voucher amount might be lower than the market rate.
In terms of tenant profiles, landlords can expect a mix of individuals and families who are financially stable enough to cover rent while also having some disposable income. These tenants are likely to value stability and may be seeking long-term housing solutions. Given the lower percentage of renters, competition for Section 8 vouchers could be less intense, allowing landlords to potentially have more leverage in finding suitable tenants.
To summarize, ZIP 30628 is more homeowner-dominated than renter-heavy, with a manageable rent-to-income ratio. Landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that is generally capable of handling rent payments and possibly contributing to a co-payment above the FMR. However, due to the smaller proportion of renters, securing tenants through Section 8 vouchers might require some adjustment to expectations regarding rent amounts.
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.