Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hall County, Georgia
Hall County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,543 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,341 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,543
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Georgia
- Typical rent
- $1,341
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in Georgia
- Wage needed
- $29.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% more than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Hall County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Banks County has the lowest typical rent ($827), 38% below the $1,341 in Hall County.
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 Hall 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 Hall County was $1,701 a month in September 2026: 2.8% 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 | $1,185 | $22.79 | $47,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,417 | $27.25 | $56,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,543 | $29.67 | $61,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,860 | $35.77 | $74,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,222 | $42.73 | $88,880 |
HUD area: Gainesville, GA MSA. 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 18 ZIP codes in Hall County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 30527 to $1,900 in 30542. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,543).
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)
| 30501 | Gainesville, GA | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,550 | $1,870 | $2,230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30504 | Gainesville, GA | $1,200 | $1,430 | $1,560 | $1,880 | $2,250 |
| 30506 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $1,190 | $1,370 | $1,490 | $1,790 | $2,140 |
| 30506 | Gainesville, GA | $1,190 | $1,370 | $1,490 | $1,790 | $2,140 |
| 30507 | Gainesville, GA | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,400 | $1,690 | $2,020 |
| 30527 | Gainesville, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30527 | White County, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30542 | Gainesville, GA | $1,460 | $1,750 | $1,900 | $2,290 | $2,740 |
| 30543 | Banks County, GA | $1,160 | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 30543 | Gainesville, GA | $1,160 | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 30543 | Jackson County, GA | $1,160 | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 30554 | Banks County, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30554 | Gainesville, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30554 | White County, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30564 | Gainesville, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30564 | Lumpkin County, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30564 | White County, GA | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,660 | $1,920 |
| 30566 | Gainesville, GA | $1,220 | $1,460 | $1,590 | $1,920 | $2,290 |
- 30501 · Gainesville, GA $1,550$1,870
- 30504 · Gainesville, GA $1,560$1,880
- 30506 · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,490$1,790
- 30506 · Gainesville, GA $1,490$1,790
- 30507 · Gainesville, GA $1,400$1,690
- 30527 · Gainesville, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30527 · White County, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30542 · Gainesville, GA $1,900$2,290
- 30543 · Banks County, GA $1,480$1,800
- 30543 · Gainesville, GA $1,480$1,800
- 30543 · Jackson County, GA $1,480$1,800
- 30554 · Banks County, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30554 · Gainesville, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30554 · White County, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30564 · Gainesville, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30564 · Lumpkin County, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30564 · White County, GA $1,370$1,660
- 30566 · Gainesville, GA $1,590$1,920
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 Hall County, 53% 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.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,130 households rent in Hall County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hall 53%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hall County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Hall 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)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 1
2,838 homes in all; 1,676 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mcever Vineyards Tax credit (LIHTC) 1235 McEver Rd, Gainesville 30504 221 homes, 220 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 109 · 3 bd: 78 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Melrose Homes HUD-assisted 750 Pearl Nix Pkwy, Gainesville 30501 200 low-income homes · For families · (770) 536-1254
- Ridgecrest Apartments HUD-assisted 1640 Roper Hill Rd, Gainesville 30501 130 low-income homes · For families · (770) 536-7749
- Lake Forest Apts HUD-assisted 1360 0tila Drive, Gainesville 30501 117 low-income homes · For families · (770) 536-1555
- Paces Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Paces Ct, Gainesville 30504 140 homes, 112 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
- North Point Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 N Pointe Dr, Gainesville 30501 106 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Linwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 392 Linwood Dr, Gainesville 30501 100 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 69 · In service since 2019 · For families · (770) 536-8151
- Orchard Brook Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Orchard Brook Dr, Gainesville 30504 115 homes, 90 low-income · 2 bd: 81 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2001
- Pace/Oconee Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 2341 Spring Haven Dr, Gainesville 30504 86 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Myrtle Terraces Tax credit (LIHTC) 1326 Myrtle St SE, Gainesville 30501 84 homes, 76 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2015
- Harrison Village Phase 1 HUD-assisted 1368 Harrison Dr, Gainesville 30507 75 low-income homes · For families · (770) 536-1254
- Lighthouse Manor, Inc. HUD-assisted 2415 Lighthouse Manor Dr, Gainesville 30501 74 low-income homes · For older adults · (770) 538-0366
- Walton Summit II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 90 homes, 70 low-income · For older adults
- Windcliff Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Gabriel Cir, Gainesville 30501 56 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- 240 Atlanta Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 78 homes, 52 low-income · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 51 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Melrose Homes Public housing 1120 Jesse Jewell Pkwy SE, Gainesville 30501 25 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gainesville · Average payment: $369 a month · (770) 536-1294
- Carriage Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 4820 Victoria Ct, Flowery Branch 30542 24 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Walton Summit III HUD-assisted 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 78 homes, 13 low-income · For families · (678) 897-4957
- Walton Harbor Phase I HUD-assisted 750 Pearl Nix Pkwy, Gainesville 30501 13 low-income homes · For families · (706) 480-3510
- Walton Summit I HUD-assisted 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 13 low-income homes · For families · (678) 897-4957
- Walton Summit II HUD-assisted 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 13 low-income homes · For families · (678) 897-4957
- Walton Harbor Phase 2 HUD-assisted 4000 Tower Heights Road, Gainesville 30501 85 homes, 12 low-income · For older adults · (678) 303-4100
- Lenox Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Lenox Park Pl, Gainesville 30507 292 homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 152 · In service since 2000
- Lanier at Mcever Tax credit (LIHTC) 1050 Eagle Eye Rd, Gainesville 30504 224 homes · In service since 2002
- Mcevers Vineyards Tax credit (LIHTC) 1240 Vineyard Way, Gainesville 30504 220 homes · In service since 2004
- Legacy at North Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 N Pointe Dr, Gainesville 30501 95 homes
- Walton Summit Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Green Hunter Ln SE, Gainesville 30501 84 homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 25
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 Hall 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 Hall 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 | $21,450 | $35,700 | $57,150 |
| 2 people | $24,500 | $40,800 | $65,300 |
| 3 people | $27,550 | $45,900 | $73,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,000 | $81,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,100 | $88,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,200 | $94,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,250 | $101,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,350 | $107,750 |
Area median income: $102,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gainesville, GA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,067 – $1,304
- 1 bedroom $1,275 – $1,559
- 2 bedrooms $1,389 – $1,697
- 3 bedrooms $1,674 – $2,046
- 4 bedrooms $2,000 – $2,444
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 Gainesville Public housing · 25 public housing units (770) 536-1294 Housing Authority of the City of Gainesville: bbrown@gainesvillehousing.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 Hall County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Athens Land Trust, Inc
685 N Pope St, Athens · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Hancock Community Development Corporation
300 Henderson Ext, Athens · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 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 Hall 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 Hall 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
$3,086
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,543
- Security deposit
- $1,543
- Total
- $3,086
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 Hall County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,185; 1 bedroom: $1,417; 2 bedrooms: $1,543; 3 bedrooms: $1,860; 4 bedrooms: $2,222. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hall County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,543) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.67 an hour full time, or $61,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hall County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,000 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 Hall 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 $1,389 and $1,697 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hall County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 30527 to $1,900 in 30542. 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 Hall County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Hall 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 Hall County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hall County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).