Location: Wilkes 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 | $198,945 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30660 is situated in a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,040 residents. The area has a relatively low percentage of renters at 12.2%, indicating that it is predominantly owner-occupied. This demographic characteristic is further reinforced by the median income of $54,234, which suggests that most households have the financial means to purchase rather than rent their homes. Additionally, the median home value stands at $198,756, reflecting the overall affordability and desirability of homeownership in this region.
Moving into the economic specifics of renting, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30660 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $930. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is significantly lower at $465 per month. This discrepancy highlights a potential opportunity for landlords who can leverage the difference between the FMR and the actual market rent to attract tenants eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers.
Given these figures, ZIP 30660 would be a suitable location for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the lower market rent compared to the FMR means that they can easily find tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers without having to invest heavily in property improvements. On the other hand, hands-on value-add buyers could potentially increase rents closer to the FMR by enhancing the quality and amenities of their properties, thereby maximizing their returns while still catering to the needs of low-income families seeking affordable housing solutions.
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.