Location: Mendocino County, CA | Metro: Mendocino County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,550 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,886 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,700 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,935 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Federal Payment Standard for ZIP code 95468 in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,560. This figure represents the maximum amount that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will pay to cover a tenant's rent under the Section 8 program. It is important to note that this does not mean your tenants will only pay $1,560; rather, it is the ceiling for the government subsidy.
In contrast, the average rent in ZIP 95468, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $2,192. This suggests that there is a significant gap between the government payment and the market rate, meaning that you could potentially charge a higher rent to Section 8 tenants, with the difference being paid by the tenant themselves. Typically, the tenant pays 30% to 40% of their income towards rent, which can help cover the extra costs beyond the $1,560 payment standard.
The renter share in ZIP 95468 is 30.9%, indicating that nearly one-third of households in this area are renters. This provides a solid foundation for demand for rental properties, including those participating in the Section 8 program. With a high proportion of renters, there is likely to be a steady interest in affordable housing options.
Regarding acquisition costs, the data shows this as N/A, which might suggest limited availability or specific challenges in obtaining properties in this area. However, this should not deter you from considering a Section 8 rental, as the ongoing government support can offset some of these initial hurdles.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental property in ZIP 95468, ensure that the property meets HUD’s minimum property standards. These standards are designed to guarantee that the housing is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants, and failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties or loss of contract.
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.