Location: Bakersfield-Delano, CA | Metro: Bakersfield-Delano, 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 | $1,890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,814 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,392 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,823 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,114 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,480 | $322,127 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $3,430 | $403,075 | 0.85% | C |
| 4BR | $4,150 | $468,013 | 0.89% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 93222, Pine Mountain Club, California, involve understanding the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and comparing it to the local market rent. For a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1630. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program will receive a rental subsidy based on this figure, which is lower than the local market rent of $2,289 according to the latest Census ACS data.
To walk through the specifics, let's break down the components of a voucher payment. The voucher pays a certain amount towards the rent, but tenants are also required to contribute a portion of their income, typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances which vary but can be significant in covering electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs.
In ZIP 93222, the total reimbursement to a landlord from a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom unit would be the sum of the SAFMR ($1630) and the utility allowance. If we assume an average utility allowance of $200, the total reimbursement would be $1830. However, this amount is not guaranteed as the tenant must pay the difference between the voucher amount and the market rent. For instance, if a tenant’s contribution is $659 (which is 30% of the SAFMR), then the landlord would receive $659 from the tenant and $1830 from the voucher, totaling $2489.
This scenario leaves the landlord slightly above the local market rent, indicating a surplus. However, if the tenant’s income is lower and they contribute less, the landlord might end up receiving less than the market rent. For example, if the tenant contributes only $400, the landlord would receive $2230, still slightly above the market rent but with a smaller surplus.
The key point is that while the SAFMR sets a baseline, the actual reimbursement depends on the tenant’s income and the utility allowance. Landlords should be aware that the SAFMR is lower than the market rent, and the overall payment could either exceed or fall short of the local market rate depending on these factors.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 93222, the typical voucher reimbursement gap or surplus is around $250-$650, assuming the utility allowance covers about $200 of additional costs. This surplus occurs because the combined payment from the voucher and the tenant exceeds the SAFMR but may not always meet or exceed the local market rent of $2,289.
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.