Location: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Metro: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 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 | $1,240 | $234,859 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $327,080 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $420,410 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $2,030 | $559,594 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 30655, located in Monroe, Georgia, within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell HUD Metro FMR area, presents itself as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1450, which is notably lower than the current market rent of $1,656. This spread indicates that properties in this ZIP can be rented out at a higher rate than what is required by the Section 8 program, thereby providing a consistent and reliable cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 30655 stands at $355,763, which is relatively moderate compared to the broader Atlanta metropolitan area. This makes it easier for landlords to acquire properties without incurring excessive costs, thus maximizing their potential for positive cash flow. Additionally, the 0.3% price-cut share and 50-day Days on Market (DOM) suggest a stable rental market where landlords can expect to maintain their asking rents without significant concessions.
While the 32.6% renter share and median income of $69,148 indicate a reasonable level of demand for rentals, these factors do not outweigh the primary advantage of the ZIP as a cash-flow anchor. The key metric here is the difference between the FMR and market rent, which ensures that landlords can benefit from the Section 8 program while still achieving above-average rental income.
To summarize, ZIP 30655 should be considered a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, coupled with a stable rental market and moderate property values. This ZIP code offers landlords the opportunity to generate steady and reliable income, making it an essential component of any Section 8-focused real estate investment portfolio.
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.