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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,940 | $393,682 | 0.49% | F |
| 2BR | $2,550 | $537,202 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $3,500 | $688,696 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 95462, Monte Rio, CA, is set at $2,030 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive; it's the ceiling price for the rental unit. The actual rent received will be based on the tenant's income and other factors, but it cannot exceed this limit.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Monte Rio according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data is $1,833. This suggests that the FMR is slightly higher than the typical market rate, which could make Section 8 properties more attractive to tenants who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing.
In terms of demand, the renter share in Monte Rio is 14.4%. This means that out of every 100 residents, approximately 14 are renters. Given the high cost of living in California, there is likely a significant portion of these renters who qualify for Section 8 assistance. The demand for affordable housing is strong, and being part of the Section 8 program can help you fill vacancies more quickly.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in Monte Rio, the median home value is around $531,631. This is a substantial investment, and joining the Section 8 program can provide a steady stream of income while also helping to ensure that your property remains occupied. However, it's crucial to understand that Section 8 rents may not cover the full cost of owning a property, especially when factoring in maintenance, utilities, and other expenses.
Before you decide to enroll your property in the Section 8 program, one key thing to verify is whether your property meets the required standards. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has specific criteria for habitability and safety that must be met. Ensuring compliance with these standards upfront will save you time and money in the long run.
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.