Location: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA | Metro: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,490 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,058 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,665 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,118 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,424 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,490 | $579,318 | 0.43% | F |
| 2BR | $3,070 | $748,592 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $3,890 | $1,026,205 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 91502, Burbank, CA, reveals a competitive yet manageable environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $2430 for FY 2024, while the market rent, as indicated by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is slightly higher at $2,518. This suggests that voucher tenants can cashflow marginally, meaning they can cover the costs but with little to no profit cushion.
To understand the investment potential further, consider the median home value in the area, which is $810,047. The rent-to-price ratio, calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the median home value, gives us an idea of how well the rental income aligns with property values. In this case, the ratio is approximately 0.3%, indicating a relatively low yield when compared to typical market expectations. However, this ratio does not fully capture the dynamics of the rent-versus-buy scenario in Burbank, as it lacks specific data on the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts.
Despite these factors, the most compelling angle for investors in ZIP 91502 remains the stability of the rental market. With a slight edge in market rent over HUD FMR, there's a consistent demand for rental properties, especially those that cater to voucher holders. Stability is key in this market, ensuring steady cash flow and predictable occupancy rates, which are essential for both landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.