Location: Inyo County, 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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,656 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,213 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,374 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,860 | $297,282 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 93527 in Inyo County, California, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for Section 8 real-estate investments.
The rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the zip code in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1390, whereas the market rent based on Census ACS data is only $904. This significant gap means that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, leading to potential vacancies.
Acquisition appears affordable. With a median home value of $274,255, purchasing a property in this area is within reach for many investors. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts indicates that there is insufficient information to fully assess the ease of acquiring properties at favorable prices.
Tenant demand is relatively low. The zip code has a population of 1,831, with only 17.1% being renters. This suggests that the pool of potential Section 8 tenants is limited, which could impact the ability to consistently lease out properties under the program.
Verdict: Despite the affordable median home value, ZIP 93527 is not an ideal investment for Section 8 real-estate due to the unfavorable rent math and low tenant demand. Landlords should consider these factors carefully before investing in this area.
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.