Location: Taliaferro 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,570 | $184,201 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 30669 is situated in a neighborhood characterized by a relatively small population of 3,285 residents. With 26.8% of the population renting their homes, it suggests a modest but present demand for rental properties. The median income in this area stands at $65,852, indicating a middle-class community. The median home value of $183,288 further supports this, showing that homeownership is attainable for many in the area.
Turning to the rent economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 30669 as of the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,040. This figure is notably higher than the average market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, which is $867. This discrepancy highlights an opportunity for landlords and investors who can position their properties to capture the higher FMR rates, particularly through participation in the Section 8 housing choice voucher program.
The question then arises: is this area better suited for a hands-off voucher operator or a hands-on value-add buyer? Given the modest population size and the significant gap between FMR and market rent, a hands-on approach would likely yield better returns. By improving property quality and efficiency, a value-add buyer could attract tenants willing to pay closer to the FMR rate. On the other hand, a hands-off operator might struggle to compete with the lower market rents without the benefit of higher occupancy rates that larger populations typically provide.
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.