Location: Salinas, CA | Metro: Salinas, 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 | $2,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,327 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,846 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,234 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,496 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,540 | $630,073 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $3,420 | $816,975 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $3,730 | $944,748 | 0.39% | F |
| 5BR | $4,327 | $1,119,729 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 93907 in Salinas, California, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $3060. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, which is a government-subsidized housing assistance program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will charge your tenants; rather, it's the payment standard that determines the maximum subsidy available to eligible tenants.
To put this into perspective, the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), which reflects the average market rent in the area, is currently at $2,655. This means that the FMR is slightly higher than the typical rent in Salinas, offering landlords a potential advantage when participating in the Section 8 program.
The demand for rentals in Salinas is strong, with 31.8% of residents being renters. This indicates a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing options, making it a viable market for Section 8 properties.
When acquiring a property to use for Section 8, the median home value in Salinas is around $837,731. This figure gives an idea of the investment required to enter the market, although rental properties might be priced differently based on their condition and location.
Before deciding to take the plunge into Section 8 rentals, it is crucial to verify that the property meets all the necessary requirements, including the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary, and must be met for the property to qualify for the program.
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.