Location: Wilkes County, GA | Metro: Lincoln County, 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $130,263 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $219,237 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $381,201 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 30668, located in Tignall, GA, within the Wilkes County, GA metro area, reveals several key points regarding its viability for real estate investment, particularly focusing on Section 8 housing.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 30668 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $900. In contrast, the Census ACS reports the market rent at $929. This indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program will receive slightly less than the market rate, which could impact profitability but still provides a stable income source.
Regarding the affordability of acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 30668 is $185,958. Unfortunately, the data does not provide insights into the average days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that require price cuts to sell, making it difficult to assess how quickly homes can be acquired and at what price point. However, the median home value suggests that properties are relatively affordable compared to many other areas, offering a lower barrier to entry for new investors.
The third question concerns tenant demand. With a total population of 2,275, 29.0% of residents are renters. This means that approximately 659 individuals are actively seeking rental housing, indicating a moderate level of demand for rental units. While the number of potential tenants is limited due to the small population size, the demand is steady and aligns well with the supply of rental properties.
Verdict: ZIP 30668 offers a balanced opportunity for Section 8 real estate investment. Although the rent subsidy is slightly below the market rate, the relatively low median home value makes property acquisition feasible. Tenant demand is present but constrained by the small population size, suggesting that the market is stable yet limited in scale. Investors should expect modest returns and be prepared for a niche market environment.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.