FY2027 Small Area FMR · Athens, GA
ZIP 30609 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 30609 (Athens, GA) is $1,220 a month, down 4.7% from FY2026. That is 5% below the Athens-Clarke County, GA area-wide FMR of $1,285.
Payment standard range, 2 bedrooms
Housing agencies may set voucher payment standards anywhere from 90% to 110% of the FMR without asking HUD.
FY2027 FY2026
Where 30609 sits in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area
Of the 33 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 30609 has the 14th highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Athens-Clarke County, GA is not on HUD's list of mandatory Small Area FMR areas, so voucher payment standards here are normally based on the area-wide FMR of $1,285 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,220 for this ZIP code instead.
All unit sizes
| Unit | FY2027 SAFMR | Payment standard range | Area-wide FMR | FY2026 SAFMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,050 | $945 – $1,155 | $1,097 | $1,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,070 | $963 – $1,177 | $1,103 | $1,140 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,220 | $1,098 – $1,342 | $1,285 | $1,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,570 | $1,413 – $1,727 | $1,610 | $1,670 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,650 | $1,485 – $1,815 | $1,689 | $1,760 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,220 needs about $48,800 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $100,100 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $80,100. ZIP code 30609 lies mainly in Clarke County. See the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro page for the full income limits table and the household check.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions
What is the Fair Market Rent for ZIP code 30609?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 30609 are $1,050 (studio), $1,070 (1 BR), $1,220 (2 BR), $1,570 (3 BR) and $1,650 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 30609?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 30609 that range is $1,098 to $1,342 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 30609?
The FY2026 income limits of the Athens-Clarke County, GA area apply: median family income $100,100, low-income (80%) limit $80,100 for a family of four.