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 | $316,587 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 30629, located within the Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA, has a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $940 for fiscal year 2024. This figure closely aligns with the average market rent of $936 for the area, indicating that rental pricing in 30629 is on par with what is typically found across other ZIP codes in the Athens-Clarke County metro.
The median home value in 30629 stands at $304,743. This value is reflective of the broader housing market trends within the MSA, suggesting that the ZIP code is neither significantly overvalued nor undervalued compared to its peers. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this means that the property values in 30629 are consistent with the overall market, making it a stable investment option.
A notable characteristic of 30629 is its relatively high renter share of 22.1%. This percentage is higher than the typical renter share seen in many ZIP codes within the Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA. A higher renter share often correlates with a greater demand for rental properties, which can be advantageous for landlords looking to capitalize on this trend.
Given the specific figures, 30629 can be classified as a mid-tier neighborhood within the Athens-Clarke County, GA MSA. It offers rental prices and home values that are in line with the regional averages, while also presenting an above-average renter share that could indicate a favorable environment for rental investments. The alignment of FMR and market rent suggests a balanced rental market, which is beneficial for maintaining steady occupancy rates and rental income.
The combination of a high renter share and home values slightly below the metro average could signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investments. Landlords and investors should consider the implications of these factors when evaluating the ZIP code for their portfolios. The data suggests that 30629 provides a good balance between stability and opportunity, making it a viable choice for those interested in the Athens-Clarke County rental market.
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.