Location: Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | Metro: Santa Rosa-Petaluma, 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 | $1,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,338 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,859 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,248 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,510 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,550 | $466,057 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 95419, which encompasses Camp Meeker, CA, within Sonoma County, can be explained using the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom unit. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR for a 2BR in this specific ZIP code is set at $2380. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay to cover a tenant's rent.
To understand how this impacts landlords, it's important to break down the components of the voucher payment. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. This amount is then combined with the utility allowance, which covers some of the tenant's energy costs. The utility allowance varies but is typically around $300-$400 per month for a 2BR unit.
The voucher reimbursement to the landlord is calculated as follows: the SAFMR minus the tenant's contribution plus the utility allowance. For instance, if a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1500, they would pay 30% of that, or $450, towards rent. If we take the lower end of the utility allowance at $300, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $2380 - $450 + $300 = $2230.
This calculation shows that while the SAFMR is $2380, the actual reimbursement to the landlord could be slightly less due to the tenant's portion and the addition of the utility allowance. It's critical to note that the SAFMR is set specifically for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the local rental market conditions more accurately than a broader county-wide rate would.
In ZIP 95419, the SAFMR does not exceed the local market rent, as the latter is currently unavailable. However, based on the SAFMR alone, landlords should expect a reimbursement close to $2380 for a 2BR unit, depending on the tenant's income and the utility allowance. This setup ensures that landlords receive a fair rent payment that aligns with the local market, albeit with some variability based on the tenant's financial situation.
Given the specifics of the SAFMR and assuming a conservative estimate of the tenant's contribution and utility allowance, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a 2BR unit in ZIP 95419 would likely result in a slight surplus, as the SAFMR is designed to reflect the median market rent. Landlords should anticipate a reimbursement close to the SAFMR, with minor adjustments for individual tenant circumstances.
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.