Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Barrow County, Georgia
Barrow County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,762 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,318 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,762
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% more than in Georgia
- Typical rent
- $1,318
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Georgia
- Wage needed
- $33.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $70,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Georgia
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Barrow County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Barrow County was $2,077 a month in September 2026: 3.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,554 | $29.88 | $62,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,619 | $31.13 | $64,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,762 | $33.88 | $70,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,099 | $40.37 | $83,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,493 | $47.94 | $99,720 |
HUD area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 8 ZIP codes in Barrow County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,340 in 30680 to $1,880 in 30011. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,762).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 30011 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,660 | $1,730 | $1,880 | $2,240 | $2,660 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30620 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,600 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $2,580 |
| 30666 | Athens-Clarke County, GA | $1,260 | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,730 | $2,030 |
| 30666 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,260 | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,730 | $2,030 |
| 30666 | Jackson County, GA | $1,260 | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,730 | $2,030 |
| 30680 | Athens-Clarke County, GA | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,890 |
| 30680 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,890 |
| 30680 | Jackson County, GA | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,890 |
- 30011 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,880$2,240
- 30620 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,820$2,170
- 30666 · Athens-Clarke County, GA $1,440$1,730
- 30666 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,440$1,730
- 30666 · Jackson County, GA $1,440$1,730
- 30680 · Athens-Clarke County, GA $1,340$1,600
- 30680 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,340$1,600
- 30680 · Jackson County, GA $1,340$1,600
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Barrow County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,619 households rent in Barrow County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Barrow 46%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Barrow County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Barrow County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 1
1,263 homes in all; 916 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Crescent Residential Properties of Winder HUD-assisted 29 Marion Lay St, Winder 30680 282 low-income homes · For families · (770) 867-7495
- George Walton Homes Public housing 392 Wise Ct, Statham 30666 183 homes, 182 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Monroe · Average payment: $433 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (770) 267-6591
- The Exchange Tax credit (LIHTC) 839 Exchange Cir, Bethlehem 30620 120 homes, 117 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Farmington Hills Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1506 Farmington Way, Winder 30680 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012
- Farmington Hills, Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1525 Farmington Way, Winder 30680 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · (770) 885-5866
- Autry Pines Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 Autry Rd, Auburn 30011 64 low-income homes
- Rock Springs Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 187 S Broad St, Winder 30680 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Innovation Properties HUD-assisted 56 Maynard St, Winder 30680 40 low-income homes · For families · (770) 867-7495
- Winding Hollow HUD-assisted 174 S Broad RD, Winder 30680 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (770) 868-8293
- Braselton Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1911 Highway 211 NW, Hoschton 30548 80 homes · In service since 2014
- Farmington Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1505 Farmington Way, Winder 30680 72 homes · In service since 2012
- Autry Pines SR Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 Autry Rd, Auburn 30011 64 homes · In service since 2015
- Stratford Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 Jefferson Hwy, Winder 30680 63 homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2013
- Stratford Court DBA Mainstreet Winder Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 Jefferson Hwy, Winder 30680 63 homes · In service since 2013
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Barrow County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Barrow County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,750 | $41,250 | $66,000 |
| 2 people | $28,300 | $47,150 | $75,400 |
| 3 people | $31,850 | $53,050 | $84,850 |
| 4 people | $35,350 | $58,900 | $94,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,650 | $101,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $68,350 | $109,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $73,050 | $116,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $77,750 | $124,450 |
Area median income: $117,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,399 – $1,709
- 1 bedroom $1,457 – $1,781
- 2 bedrooms $1,586 – $1,938
- 3 bedrooms $1,889 – $2,309
- 4 bedrooms $2,244 – $2,742
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Winder Public housing (770) 867-7495 Housing Authority of the City of Winder: myawn@winderhousing.com
Housing agencies in Georgia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Georgia
What Georgia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-30.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-34
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 business days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-50(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 60 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-7
- Only a court order can remove youO.C.G.A. §44-7-14.1; §44-7-50 et seq.
- Protection from retaliationO.C.G.A. §44-7-24
Help
Where to get help with rent in Barrow County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Hancock Community Development Corporation
300 Henderson Ext, Athens · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
-
Athens Land Trust, Inc
685 N Pope St, Athens · 19 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Refugee Family Assistance Program
5405 Memorial Drive Suite 101, Stone Mountain · 32 miles away
Also serves in Arabic, Farsi, other languages, Swahili, and 1 more language.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Barrow County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Georgia to pay the home energy bill, through your county's community action agency
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Barrow County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Georgia, the average home bill was $151 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,524
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,762
- Security deposit
- $1,762
- Total
- $3,524
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Barrow County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,554; 1 bedroom: $1,619; 2 bedrooms: $1,762; 3 bedrooms: $2,099; 4 bedrooms: $2,493. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Barrow County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,762) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.88 an hour full time, or $70,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Barrow County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,900 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Barrow County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,586 and $1,938 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Barrow County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,340 in 30680 to $1,880 in 30011. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Barrow County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Barrow County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Barrow County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Barrow County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).