Location: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | Metro: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA MSA
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 | $1,530 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,677 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,447 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,600 | $233,912 | 0.68% | D |
| 2BR | $1,990 | $340,353 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $2,630 | $462,276 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $3,170 | $557,859 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 92241, Desert Hot Springs, CA, has a population of 8,884 residents, with 16.9% being renters. This indicates that the area is not heavily dominated by renters but still maintains a significant rental market. The median household income stands at $46,888, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of housing in the region.
The typical market rent of $930 represents approximately 20.7% of the median household income. This percentage suggests that rent is a substantial portion of income for many households, potentially leading to high demand for affordable housing options such as Section 8 vouchers. In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,580 for FY 2024, indicating that the average market rent is significantly below this benchmark. This gap between market rent and FMR can be indicative of a strong presence of subsidized housing programs, including Section 8, to fill the affordability gap.
Given these conditions, landlords in ZIP 92241 can expect a tenant pool that is largely reliant on financial assistance to meet their housing needs. Tenants will likely have low to moderate incomes, with many relying on Section 8 vouchers to cover the majority of their rent payments. Landlords should be prepared to work within the guidelines and regulations of the Section 8 program, ensuring compliance with housing quality standards and managing the administrative tasks associated with receiving housing assistance payments.
The lower-than-average market rent coupled with a substantial portion of the population being renters points to a community with deep voucher demand. This environment presents opportunities for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program, as it ensures a steady stream of tenants who can afford to pay their rent through government subsidies.
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.