Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bartow County, Georgia
Bartow 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 $1,268 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
- $1,268
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% 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
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Bartow County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Gordon County, the typical rent is $937: 26% less than in Bartow County ($1,268).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
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 Bartow 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 Bartow County was $1,734 a month in September 2026: 2% 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 13 ZIP codes in Bartow County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 30184 to $1,490 in 30171. No ZIP code is 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)
| 30103 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $990 | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,450 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30103 | Gordon County, GA | $990 | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,450 | $1,700 |
| 30103 | Rome, GA | $990 | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,450 | $1,700 |
| 30120 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,160 | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,570 | $1,870 |
| 30121 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,210 | $1,260 | $1,370 | $1,630 | $1,940 |
| 30137 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,440 | $1,720 | $2,040 |
| 30145 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $910 | $970 | $1,100 | $1,340 | $1,520 |
| 30145 | Rome, GA | $910 | $970 | $1,100 | $1,340 | $1,520 |
| 30171 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,290 | $1,360 | $1,490 | $1,800 | $2,140 |
| 30171 | Gordon County, GA | $1,290 | $1,360 | $1,490 | $1,800 | $2,140 |
| 30178 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,010 | $1,050 | $1,240 | $1,530 | $1,740 |
| 30178 | Polk County, GA | $1,010 | $1,050 | $1,240 | $1,530 | $1,740 |
| 30184 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $910 | $960 | $1,050 | $1,260 | $1,500 |
- 30103 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,180$1,450
- 30103 · Gordon County, GA $1,180$1,450
- 30103 · Rome, GA $1,180$1,450
- 30120 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,320$1,570
- 30121 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,370$1,630
- 30137 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,440$1,720
- 30145 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,100$1,340
- 30145 · Rome, GA $1,100$1,340
- 30171 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,490$1,800
- 30171 · Gordon County, GA $1,490$1,800
- 30178 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,240$1,530
- 30178 · Polk County, GA $1,240$1,530
- 30184 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,050$1,260
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 Bartow County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
11,084 households rent in Bartow County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bartow 47%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bartow County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Bartow County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 6
997 homes in all; 809 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Cartersville - Etowah Housing Authority HUD-assisted 240 Stonewall St, Cartersville 30120 299 low-income homes · For families · (770) 382-1414
- Cartersville Gardens HUD-assisted 376 Old Mill Rd, Cartersville 30120 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (770) 382-2588
- Pace/Etowah Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 366 Old Mill Rd, Cartersville 30120 95 low-income homes · In service since 1997
- Shangri-La Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 69 Gilreath Rd NW, Cartersville 30121 72 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Adairsville - Etowah Housing Authority HUD-assisted 240 Stonewall St, Cartersville 30120 60 low-income homes · For families · (770) 382-1414
- The Cove Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 90 Liberty Square Dr NE, Cartersville 30121 60 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Huntwood Terrace HUD-assisted 71 Center Rd SE, Cartersville 30121 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (770) 387-9296
- Havenwood Cartersville Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 E Felton Rd, Cartersville 30121 50 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Crossfield Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 Crossfield Cir, Cartersville 30121 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Cass Towne Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1341 Cassville Rd NW, Cartersville 30120 10 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Brentwood Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 250 Douthit Ferry Rd, Cartersville 30120 63 homes, 7 low-income · (470) 334-6113
- The Jared House HUD-assisted 245 Douthit Ferry Rd, Cartersville 30120 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (770) 427-8401
- Somerset Club Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 91 Somerset Club Dr SE, Cartersville 30121 120 homes · In service since 2004
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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
- Etowah Area Consolidated Public housing (770) 382-1414 Etowah Area Consolidated: rhonda@etowahha.org
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 Bartow County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
National Faith Homebuyers, Atlanta Branch
2470 Windy Hill Rd SE, Marietta · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Dalton-Whitfield Community Dev. Corp.
710 S Thornton Ave, Dalton · 37 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc
3510 Shallowford Rd NE, Atlanta · 40 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 30184 to $1,490 in 30171. 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 Bartow County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Bartow County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Bartow County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bartow County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).