Location: Mendocino County, CA | Metro: Mendocino County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,596 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,028 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,350 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,568 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 95449, the economics of Section 8 housing are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) rates established by HUD. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2026 is set at $1,990. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a Section 8 tenant in this specific ZIP code.
However, the actual payment received by landlords is calculated differently. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, plus any additional utility allowances. If we assume an average adjusted income for a tenant in ZIP 95449, let's say $1,500 per month, then the tenant would contribute $450 towards the rent ($1,500 x 0.30).
The remaining amount is subsidized by the housing authority. In this case, it would be $1,540 ($1,990 - $450). However, this calculation does not account for utility allowances which can vary but typically add around $200-$300 to the total subsidy. Therefore, the landlord could expect a total reimbursement of approximately $1,740-$1,840 per month.
This reimbursement amount is compared to the local market rent, which according to the latest Census ACS data, stands at $1,695 for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 95449. Given these numbers, landlords participating in Section 8 for a two-bedroom property in this ZIP code would see a surplus of about $45-$145 per month over the local market rent.
To summarize, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 95449 is $1,990, while the local market rent is $1,695. Once the tenant's contribution and utility allowances are factored in, the typical reimbursement range for a landlord is $1,740-$1,840, resulting in a surplus of $45-$145 above the local market rent.
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.