Location: Gordon County, GA | Metro: Murray 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $189,282 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $259,078 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,670 | $316,376 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP code 30705, located in Chatsworth, Georgia, revolves around the discrepancy between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $890 for fiscal year 2024 and the actual market rent reported at $860 according to the latest Census ACS data. This gap stands at $30, which translates to approximately 3.45% of the FMR. Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, landlords and small-portfolio investors should recognize this as a yield play.
Voucher tenants under the Section 8 program provide a stable source of rental income, guaranteed by the government. The higher FMR compared to the market rent means that landlords can receive a payment closer to $890 per month, even if the market rate is lower. This scenario benefits owners who can capitalize on the difference, enhancing their cash flow and overall investment yield. In Chatsworth, where 25.6% of residents are renters and the median income hovers at $69,036, the Section 8 program offers a significant advantage in securing consistent occupancy and revenue.
Moreover, the median home value in Chatsworth is $246,422, indicating a relatively affordable housing market. The FMR being slightly above the market rent suggests that there is an opportunity for landlords to increase rents modestly without pricing out potential tenants. This slight premium can be particularly advantageous when considering the long-term stability and security that comes with having Section 8 tenants, who are less likely to default on rent payments due to the government's role in subsidizing the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent.
In conclusion, the $30 differential between the FMR and market rent in ZIP 30705 presents a compelling case for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program. This gap ensures a steady and potentially higher yield than what the open market currently offers, making it a strategic move for those looking to maximize returns while maintaining a stable tenant base.
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.