Location: Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA | Metro: Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, 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 | $2,720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $6,067 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,795 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $7,339 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $7,706 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,750 | $567,801 | 0.48% | F |
| 2BR | $3,220 | $772,807 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $4,370 | $1,322,243 | 0.33% | F |
| 4BR | $5,230 | $1,825,529 | 0.29% | F |
| 5BR | $6,067 | $2,940,157 | 0.21% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 92649, Huntington Beach, CA, include higher tenant turnover due to the gap between the market rent of $2,943 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,790 for fiscal year 2024. This disparity can lead to tenants seeking better deals elsewhere, increasing the likelihood of frequent moves and vacancies. The average Days on Market (DOM) for properties is 16 days, which suggests a relatively quick turnover but also indicates a brief window to secure new tenants, leaving landlords vulnerable to periods of vacancy. Additionally, the typical home value of $1,381,183 contrasts sharply with the median household income of $123,257, suggesting that many homeowners might delay necessary maintenance due to financial constraints, which could translate into higher repair costs for landlords managing rental properties.
Despite these challenges, the area's 40.7% renter share provides a strong base of potential Section 8 tenants. High renter density often correlates with higher demand for housing assistance vouchers, creating a steady pool of qualified applicants. The robust number of renters in the area ensures a consistent flow of potential tenants, mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 92649.
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.