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 | $1,850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,663 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,223 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,641 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,923 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,660 | $825,809 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 95444 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,250. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, which is not necessarily the rent you can charge your tenants. The FMR is used to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance that a family can receive through the program.
In comparison, the average market rent for ZIP 95444, according to recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $2,816. This suggests that if you participate in Section 8, your rental income might be slightly lower than the market rate, but it also provides a stable and government-backed source of income.
The renter share in ZIP 95444 is 15.9%, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. However, this percentage does not directly translate into the number of potential Section 8 tenants; it simply reflects the proportion of residents who rent their homes. To understand the specific demand for Section 8 housing, you would need to consult local housing authorities for more detailed information.
The median home value in ZIP 95444 is approximately $822,555. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this means that acquiring a property in this area could be quite costly. It's important to consider the acquisition cost alongside the rental income you expect to receive when evaluating the financial feasibility of adding a Section 8 property to your portfolio.
Before you decide to enter the Section 8 market in ZIP 95444, there is one crucial step you must take: verify that your property meets the minimum housing quality standards known as the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. While the specifics can vary, common requirements include proper heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity. Not meeting these standards can result in your property being rejected from the program, leading to wasted time and resources.
To summarize, the FMR of $2,250 sets the payment limit for Section 8 in ZIP 95444, while the market rent of $2,816 gives an idea of what you might miss out on. With a 15.9% renter share, there is moderate demand for rentals, and the high median home value of $822,555 indicates significant investment costs. Ensure your property meets HQS to avoid rejection and secure a place in the Section 8 program.
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.