Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Clayton County, Georgia
Clayton 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 $1,433 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
- $1,433
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% 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
- 63%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 20% more than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Clayton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 63%, Clayton County ranks 4th among the 147 counties in Georgia with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Among the neighboring counties, Spalding County has the lowest typical rent ($1,113), 22% below the $1,433 in Clayton County.
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Clayton County has the 11th lowest homeownership rate of the 159 counties in Georgia (55%).
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 Clayton 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 Clayton County was $1,620 a month in September 2026: 1.6% 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 Clayton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,290 in 30297 to $1,730 in 30250. 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)
| 30236 | $1,230 | $1,290 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $1,980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30238 | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $1,950 | $2,320 |
| 30250 | $1,530 | $1,590 | $1,730 | $2,060 | $2,450 |
| 30260 | $1,360 | $1,410 | $1,540 | $1,830 | $2,180 |
| 30273 | $1,410 | $1,470 | $1,600 | $1,910 | $2,260 |
| 30274 | $1,250 | $1,300 | $1,420 | $1,690 | $2,010 |
| 30296 | $1,520 | $1,580 | $1,720 | $2,050 | $2,430 |
| 30297 | $1,140 | $1,190 | $1,290 | $1,540 | $1,830 |
- 30236 $1,400$1,670
- 30238 $1,640$1,950
- 30250 $1,730$2,060
- 30260 $1,540$1,830
- 30273 $1,600$1,910
- 30274 $1,420$1,690
- 30296 $1,720$2,050
- 30297 $1,290$1,540
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 Clayton County, 63% 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.
63%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
48,159 households rent in Clayton County
- Spend half or more of their income 35%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 37%
Compared with the state and the country
- Clayton 63%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Clayton County
HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Clayton 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
4,710 homes in all; 2,333 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hyde Park Club Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3386 Mount Zion Rd, Stockbridge 30281 284 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 1999
- Riverwood Townhouses 3 HUD-assisted 681 Flint River Rd, Jonesboro 30238 282 homes, 264 low-income · For families · (678) 973-6531
- Parkside Crossing Apartment Tax credit (LIHTC) 4233 Jonesboro Rd, Forest Park 30297 248 low-income homes · 1 bd: 89 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Alexander Falls Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Riverdale 30296 224 homes, 223 low-income · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 210 · In service since 2000
- Keystone Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 145 S McDonough St, Jonesboro 30236 184 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2016 · For families · (770) 471-0891
- Wingate Tax credit (LIHTC) 4735 Courtney Dr, Forest Park 30297 171 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- Southwood Apts HUD-assisted 6001 Trammell Rd, Morrow 30260 196 homes, 163 low-income · For families · (404) 363-3577
- Hyde Park Manor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3384 Mount Zion Rd, Stockbridge 30281 180 homes, 144 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Fairway Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 9350 Thomas Rd, Jonesboro 30238 130 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 76 · 4 bd: 23 · In service since 1999
- Waldorf Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4663 Waldrop Dr, Forest Park 30297 92 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Tracewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 482 Sylvia Dr, Forest Park 30297 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1995
- Madison Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 10911 Tara Blvd, Hampton 30228 120 homes, 81 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 32 · For families · (470) 209-7673
- Madison Heights, Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 11015 Tara Blvd, Hampton 30228 120 homes, 81 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Valley Hill Senior Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Valley Hill Rd SW, Riverdale 30274 72 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2001
- Governors Terrace HUD-assisted 4947 Governors Dr, Forest Park 30297 49 homes, 48 low-income · For older adults · (404) 363-6221
- Water's Edge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 417 Barton Dr, Forest Park 30297 48 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Unnamed Project Public housing 213 Hightower St, Jonesboro 30236 32 homes, 30 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jonesboro · Average payment: $378 a month · Average wait: 51 months · (770) 478-7282
- Flats at Mt. Zion Apartments HUD-assisted 3297 Mount Zion Rd, Stockbridge 30281 210 homes, 16 low-income · (417) 883-1632
- Brookside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5420 Riverdale Rd, College Park 30349 210 homes · In service since 2006
- The Park at Leeds Fka Epic Brookside Tax credit (LIHTC) 5420 Riverdale Rd, College Park 30349 210 homes · In service since 2006
- Breckenridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5530 Old Dixie Hwy, Forest Park 30297 206 homes · In service since 2006
- Pointe Clear Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7545 Tara Rd, Jonesboro 30236 206 homes · In service since 1998
- Flint River Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 240 Flint River Rd, Jonesboro 30238 200 homes · In service since 1997
- Provence Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Mount Zion Rd, Jonesboro 30236 193 homes · In service since 2004
- Regal Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 461 Old Dixie Way, Forest Park 30297 168 homes · In service since 2005
- Pointe South Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 772 Pointe South Pkwy, Jonesboro 30238 160 homes · In service since 1997
- Ashton Forest Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 4950 Governors Dr, Forest Park 30297 150 homes · In service since 2005
- Ashton Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 4950 Governors Dr, Forest Park 30297 150 homes · In service since 2005
- Pinebrooke Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9170 Dorsey Rd, Riverdale 30274 130 homes · In service since 1997
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Jonesboro Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,895 vouchers · 30 public housing units (770) 478-7282
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 Clayton County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Clayton County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Nid-Hca Atlanta Metro Regional Office
21 Highway 138 SW, Riverdale
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,290 in 30297 to $1,730 in 30250. 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 Clayton County?
HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Clayton 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 Clayton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Clayton County, 63% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).