Location: Mariposa County, CA | Metro: Mariposa County, CA
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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,552 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,087 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,241 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,110 | $285,023 | 0.39% | F |
| 2BR | $1,440 | $343,628 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,990 | $425,726 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $2,200 | $505,624 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Mariposa, California, located in ZIP code 95338, the median household income stands at $67,485. The market rate for rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,277 per month. This means that a significant portion of the average household's income would go towards housing costs, making it challenging for residents to find affordable living spaces without financial strain.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,410 for metro FY 2026, exceeds the current market rate. This suggests that the rental market is already somewhat strained, with households having to allocate a large share of their income to cover housing expenses. The FMR represents the maximum amount of rent that a household should pay to avoid being cost-burdened, which is typically defined as spending more than 30% of one's income on housing.
The population of Mariposa is 10,006, with 26.7% of them being renters. This indicates a notable demand for rental properties in the area. However, the affordability gap between the median income and both the market rate and FMR highlights a challenge for landlords. As many potential tenants struggle to meet the market rate, landlords might face increased competition and difficulty in finding tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rates.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear: voucher tenants provide a guaranteed source of income through government subsidies, ensuring that the rent will be paid even if it's slightly below the market rate. In contrast, relying solely on cash-paying tenants could lead to vacancies due to the high rent-to-income ratio, which could be financially risky given the local economic conditions.
Landlords in Mariposa should consider diversifying their tenant mix to include both voucher and cash-paying tenants. This approach helps mitigate the risk of vacancy while still allowing for the possibility of higher rents from those who can afford it. It also ensures compliance with fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination against voucher holders.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.