Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30646 - 2027

Location: Jackson 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	$1,200
3 Bedrooms	$1,570
4 Bedrooms	$1,750
5 Bedrooms	$2,030
6 Bedrooms	$2,274
7 Bedrooms	$2,456
8 Bedrooms	$2,579

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

8,460

Median Household Income

$67,308

Housing Units

3,574

Renter Percentage

25.4%

Occupancy Rate

94.2%

Renter Occupied

854

Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 30646

Athens Housing Authority (Athens, GA)
Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson (Jefferson, GA)
Housing Authority of the City of Commerce (Commerce, GA)
Housing Authority of the City of Danielsville (Danielsville, GA)

The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 30646 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1060. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay landlords for renting out a unit under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this SAFMR is specific to ZIP 30646 and reflects the unique rental market conditions in this area.

Local market rents for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 30646 average $1,047 according to the latest Census ACS data. While this is slightly below the SAFMR, it's crucial to understand that the actual reimbursement to landlords from Section 8 vouchers depends on several factors beyond just the SAFMR.

A landlord can expect the following breakdown when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher:

The housing authority will cover the difference between the tenant’s portion and the SAFMR, up to $1060.
Tenants typically contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the tenant’s adjusted income is $2,000 per month, they would pay $600 towards rent.
The remaining amount is covered by the voucher, which in this case would be $460 ($1060 - $600).
Utility allowances vary but are usually around $150-$200 per month. These allowances are added to the voucher payment, so if we assume an allowance of $180, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $640 ($460 + $180).

This means that landlords participating in Section 8 for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 30646 will receive a total of $640 from the voucher plus the tenant’s contribution of $600, equaling $1,240. Given the local market rent of $1,047, landlords would see a surplus of $193 per month over the average market rate.

In summary, landlords in ZIP 30646 can anticipate a positive financial outcome when renting to tenants with Section 8 vouchers. The reimbursement mechanism ensures that landlords are paid above the average market rate, providing a stable and reliable income stream. The surplus of $193 per month for a two-bedroom apartment makes Section 8 participation financially beneficial in this specific ZIP code.

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.