Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cherokee County, Georgia
Cherokee 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 $1,799 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
- $1,799
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 29% more 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
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% more than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Cherokee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $108,115, Cherokee County ranks 4th among the 159 counties in Georgia for the highest typical household income.
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At $1,799, Cherokee County ranks 4th among the 156 counties in Georgia with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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Nearby, in Gordon County, the typical rent is $937: 48% less than in Cherokee County ($1,799).
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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County was $1,997 a month in September 2026: 1.3% 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 7 ZIP codes in Cherokee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 30107 to $1,990 in 30189. 4 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)
| 30102 | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,700 | $2,030 | $2,410 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30107 | $1,080 | $1,120 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,730 |
| 30114 | $1,600 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,170 | $2,580 |
| 30115 | $1,660 | $1,730 | $1,880 | $2,240 | $2,660 |
| 30183 | $1,250 | $1,300 | $1,420 | $1,710 | $2,070 |
| 30188 | $1,740 | $1,810 | $1,970 | $2,350 | $2,790 |
| 30189 | $1,750 | $1,830 | $1,990 | $2,370 | $2,820 |
- 30102 $1,700$2,030
- 30107 $1,220$1,450
- 30114 $1,820$2,170
- 30115 $1,880$2,240
- 30183 $1,420$1,710
- 30188 $1,970$2,350
- 30189 $1,990$2,370
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 Cherokee County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,050 households rent in Cherokee County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cherokee 57%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cherokee County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Cherokee 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 1
2,948 homes in all; 852 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- The Peaks at Bells Ferry Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Peaks Rdg, Acworth 30102 248 homes, 148 low-income · 2 bd: 136 · 3 bd: 67 · 4 bd: 45 · In service since 2003
- Hickory Knoll Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Oakdale Rd, Canton 30114 145 homes, 143 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 91 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1995
- Laurels at Greenwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 1215 Greenwood Drive, Canton 30115 142 homes, 140 low-income · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 70 · In service since 2001
- Columbia Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Sandy Cir, Woodstock 30188 172 homes, 137 low-income · 2 bd: 95 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2001
- Oakside Drive Apartments Public housing Canton 30114 75 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Canton · Average payment: $517 a month · (770) 479-4969
- Colbert Square HUD-assisted 211 Woodpark Pl, Woodstock 30188 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (770) 926-5506
- Tanner Place HUD-assisted 1400 Oakside Dr, Canton 30114 70 low-income homes · For families · (706) 378-3949
- Hearthstone Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Hearthstone Landing Dr, Canton 30114 72 homes, 57 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2004
- Cherokee Residential Services HUD-assisted 133 Univeter Rd, Canton 30114 10 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (770) 345-5821
- CRS Grimes Road, Inc. HUD-assisted 255 Grimes Rd, Woodstock 30188 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (770) 345-7682
- River Ridge at Canton Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 River Ridge Dr, Canton 30114 356 homes · In service since 2003
- Alta Ridge Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Elena Way, Woodstock 30188 340 homes · In service since 2004
- Canton Mill Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton 30114 313 homes · In service since 2001
- Cherokee Summit Tax credit (LIHTC) 5920 Bells Ferry Rd, Acworth 30102 272 homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 180 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2001
- Canterbury Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Canterbur Rdg Pkwy, Canton 30114 212 homes · In service since 1999
- Alexander Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Alexander Dr, Canton 30114 174 homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 54 · In service since 2001
- Riverstock Fka Columbia Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Sandy Cir, Woodstock 30188 172 homes · In service since 2001
- Heritage at Madison Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1561 Stone Bridge Pkwy, Woodstock 30189 100 homes · In service since 2001
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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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 Canton Public housing · 75 public housing units (770) 479-4969 Housing Authority of the City of Canton: jloberg@cantonha.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 Cherokee County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Cherokee County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Cherokee County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 30107 to $1,990 in 30189. 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 Cherokee County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Cherokee 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 Cherokee County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cherokee County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).