Location: Mariposa County, CA | Metro: Madera County, 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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,028 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,391 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,662 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,845 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,230 | $491,084 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 93653 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,570. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit in this area. It's important to note that this is not necessarily the rent that every tenant will pay; it's the benchmark used by the government to determine what a reasonable rent would be for a voucher holder.
To put this into context, the average rent in ZIP 93653, according to recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $1,382. This suggests that the FMR is slightly higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
Renters make up 6.2% of the population in this ZIP code. While this percentage might seem low, it translates to a significant number of potential tenants who could benefit from the Section 8 program. The local median income and housing costs indicate that there is a demand for affordable housing options, making Section 8 an attractive option for many renters.
If you're considering purchasing a property in ZIP 93653 to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value is approximately $474,541. This is the average price you might expect to pay for a home in this area, and it should factor into your investment calculations. Remember, the FMR helps ensure that your rental income will cover a portion of the mortgage and other expenses associated with owning a home in this market.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in ZIP 93653, verify that the property meets all necessary housing quality standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the home is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these criteria can result in reduced payments or even termination of the contract.
In summary, the FMR of $1,570 provides a guideline for setting your rent, which is higher than the local average of $1,382. With a renter share of 6.2%, there is a steady demand for affordable housing. The median home value of $474,541 gives you a benchmark for the acquisition cost. Ensure that your property meets HQS to avoid any issues once you've made your investment.
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.