Location: Taliaferro County, GA | Metro: Greene County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 30678, located in Taliaferro County, GA, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not favorably align. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $980. However, the actual market rent as per the Census ACS is significantly lower at $786. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to achieve rents that meet the FMR benchmark, potentially leading to reduced profitability.
Acquisition costs present another challenge. With a median home value of $579,016, purchasing properties in this ZIP code is relatively expensive. Unfortunately, the data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts is not available, which makes it difficult to assess how quickly homes sell and whether they sell at their listed price. Without these metrics, caution is advised when considering property purchases due to the high median home value.
Tenant demand appears modest. The total population of ZIP 30678 is 1,271, with 29.0% of residents being renters. This indicates that while there is a tenant base, it is limited in size. Given the small number of potential tenants, competition for rental units could be intense, further pressuring rental rates.
Verdict: While there is a tenant market in ZIP 30678, the combination of a mismatch between FMR and market rent, along with high acquisition costs, suggests that investing in this area requires careful consideration. Landlords should expect to operate in a competitive environment with lower-than-expected rental income based on the FMR. The lack of detailed sales data complicates the assessment of acquisition affordability but underscores the importance of thorough local market research before committing capital.
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.