Location: Fresno, CA | Metro: Fresno, 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 | $2,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,010 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,652 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,210 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,627 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,908 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,530 | $412,889 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $3,500 | $525,428 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $4,010 | $791,521 | 0.51% | F |
| 5BR | $4,652 | $996,163 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 93730 in Fresno, California, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,160. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, which is also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will be receiving; it's the payment standard used by the program to determine the maximum allowable rent.
In comparison, the typical market rent in ZIP 93730, according to Zillow's Rent Index (ZORI), is $2,516. This indicates that the FMR is lower than the average rent in the area, meaning landlords participating in Section 8 might receive slightly less than what they could potentially earn on the open market. However, the stability and reliability of Section 8 payments make up for this difference.
The renter share in this ZIP code is 19.9%, suggesting a moderate demand for rental housing. This percentage reflects the portion of households that are renters, indicating a significant but not overwhelming number of potential tenants. The demand is strong enough to ensure a reasonable occupancy rate, but not so high that competition among landlords becomes a major issue.
If you're looking to acquire a property for your first Section 8 rental in ZIP 93730, you should be prepared for an initial investment. The median home value in this area is approximately $650,522, which gives you an idea of the cost range for acquiring a property suitable for a Section 8 tenant. While this might seem high, it's crucial to consider the long-term benefits of stable income and reduced vacancy risks.
Before making the final decision to participate in the Section 8 program, you must verify that your property meets the required quality standards, known as the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. A thorough inspection by the local housing authority is necessary to confirm compliance. This step is critical because failing to meet HQS can result in disqualification from the program, even if you have already signed a lease with a tenant.
To summarize, while the FMR of $2,160 is lower than the market rent of $2,516, the Section 8 program offers consistent income and a reliable source of tenants. With a renter share of 19.9%, there is a solid demand for rental properties, and the median home value of $650,522 provides a benchmark for your investment. Ensure your property complies with HQS to avoid any issues that could prevent you from successfully renting to a Section 8 tenant.
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.