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 | $175,236 | 0.91% | C |
| 2BR | $1,990 | $246,549 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $2,630 | $353,585 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 92285 does not work favorably for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1580. However, the market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $981. This discrepancy means that landlords might struggle to cover operational costs and maintain profitability when renting to Section 8 tenants.
Acquisition in Landers, CA, is moderately affordable. The median home value is $211,451. Despite the lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts, the median home value suggests that property acquisition is within reach for many investors. However, without specific DOM and price-cut share data, it's challenging to assess the liquidity and negotiation dynamics in the local real estate market.
Tenant demand in ZIP 92285 is limited. With a total population of 2,764, only 8.8% are renters. This low renter share implies a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could make it difficult to find suitable Section 8 participants willing to pay the higher FMR rates.
Given the analysis, investing in ZIP 92285 for Section 8 properties presents significant challenges. The high FMR compared to the actual market rent makes the economics unfavorable for landlords. While property acquisition is feasible at the median home value, the limited tenant demand due to the low renter share further complicates the investment case. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully consider these factors before entering this market. The verdict is clear: the financials do not align well with the opportunity, and the market conditions suggest a cautious approach to investment in this area.
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.