Location: Mariposa County, CA | Metro: Mariposa County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,552 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,087 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,241 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 95389 within the Mariposa County, CA metro area reveals several key points for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not favorably align with the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,450 for fiscal year 2026 compared to the current market rent of $1,712 as reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that landlords might struggle to secure tenants through government-assisted housing programs due to the discrepancy between the FMR and actual market rates.
Regarding property acquisition, the median home value stands at $657,390. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties can be sold or if they typically require price reductions to attract buyers. This suggests caution when considering investment due to the uncertainty around property liquidity and pricing flexibility.
Tenant demand appears to be stable with a population of 2,181 and a significant 75.8% of residents being renters. This high rental rate indicates a strong preference for renting over owning among the local populace, which could translate into steady demand for rental properties.
In summary, while there is a robust tenant base in ZIP 95389, the disparity between FMR and market rents presents a challenge for landlords seeking to participate in government-assisted housing programs. The high median home value combined with the absence of detailed DOM and price-cut data implies that property acquisition is costly and potentially risky without further insight into market conditions. Despite these concerns, the strong rental preference among the local population offers a promising outlook for those willing to navigate the complexities of this market.
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.