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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,460 | $218,068 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $296,979 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $2,440 | $351,353 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 93250, located in McFarland, CA, is a renter-heavy area with significant demand for housing vouchers. With a population of 15,599, nearly half (46.1%) of the residents are renters, indicating a strong reliance on rental properties. This high percentage of renters suggests that there is a robust market for Section 8 tenants, who often seek affordable housing options.
The median household income in this ZIP is $54,051, which provides a useful benchmark for assessing affordability. The average market rent of $1,129 represents approximately 24.2% of the median monthly income when calculated as $54,051 divided by 12 months. This means that typical rent consumes a substantial portion of local incomes, making affordability a key concern for many residents.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD, which is $1,190 for FY 2024, indicates that rents in McFarland are slightly below the FMR. This could be advantageous for landlords, as it suggests that their properties might be more accessible to voucher holders, who can use their vouchers to cover the difference between the market rent and the FMR.
A landlord in ZIP 93250 should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who rely heavily on financial assistance to meet their housing needs. These tenants will likely include those with low to moderate incomes, possibly facing challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, or limited earning capacity. Landlords must be prepared to work within the guidelines of the Section 8 program, which includes regular inspections and rent calculations based on the tenant's income.
In summary, McFarland, CA (ZIP 93250) is well-suited for landlords interested in attracting Section 8 tenants due to its high proportion of renters and relatively lower market rent compared to the HUD FMR. The typical rent eats up a considerable share of the local income, underscoring the importance of housing subsidies in this community.
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.