Location: Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | Metro: San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,301 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,412 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,733 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Petaluma, CA, located in the ZIP code 94952, is part of the larger Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA metro area. To understand Petaluma's position within this metro, we can analyze several key metrics: Fair Market Rent (FMR), market rent, home value, and renter share.
The FMR for ZIP 94952 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,870. This figure represents the maximum amount that low-income families should pay in rent. In comparison, the market rent stands at $2,759. These two figures are quite close, indicating that the rental market in Petaluma closely aligns with the FMR guidelines.
The median home value in Petaluma is $1,060,048. This is notably higher than many other ZIP codes within the metro area, suggesting that Petaluma is positioned as a premium sub-market. However, it's important to note that this high median home value doesn't necessarily translate to higher rental costs, as the market rent remains relatively stable.
The renter share in Petaluma is 39.7%. This indicates a significant portion of the population rents their homes, which is higher than the typical share seen in many ZIP codes within the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA. A higher renter share combined with below-metro average home values can signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 properties, but since Petaluma's home values are above average, this suggests a different dynamic at play.
To conclude, ZIP 94952 is best characterized as a premium sub-market within the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA. The high median home value and close alignment between FMR and market rent suggest a robust and stable rental market. While the renter share is higher than typical, the elevated home values indicate that Petaluma is not a value pocket where low home values might attract more Section 8 tenants. Instead, it appears to be a desirable area with strong demand from both renters and homeowners.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.