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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,600 | $143,878 | 1.11% | B |
| 2BR | $1,990 | $218,822 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $2,630 | $291,788 | 0.9% | C |
| 4BR | $3,170 | $347,203 | 0.91% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 92277, located in Twentynine Palms, CA, is predominantly a renter-heavy area, with 56.7% of residents renting their homes. This indicates a strong potential for Section 8 tenants, as there is significant demand for rental housing. The population size of 26,277 supports a diverse range of housing needs, including those covered by housing vouchers.
The median household income in this area is $60,901, which provides context for understanding the affordability of housing. The average market rent of $1,391 represents approximately 28.8% of the median household income, suggesting that rent consumes a considerable portion of the local residents' earnings. However, when compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,580 for FY 2024, it's clear that the actual market rents are below the FMR, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord in 92277 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals and families who rely on housing vouchers to afford their living spaces. These tenants will likely have incomes below the median, making the $1,391 market rent affordable for them. Given the high percentage of renters and the relatively low market rents compared to the FMR, there is a strong likelihood of encountering tenants with Section 8 vouchers. Landlords should be prepared to work within the parameters set by the Housing Choice Voucher Program, ensuring that their properties meet the necessary standards and that they understand the payment process involving the voucher subsidy.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.