Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
The ZIP code 95518, located in Arcata, CA, within Humboldt County and the broader CA metro area, offers a unique opportunity for inclusion in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Given the absence of specific market and median home value data, we must rely on other factors to determine its role within a portfolio.
Arcata, represented by ZIP 95518, is best categorized as a cash-flow anchor. This classification is based on the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,550 for the fiscal year 2026. While the exact market and median home value data are not available, the FMR provides insight into the rental dynamics of the area. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage this FMR to ensure steady, reliable rental income that aligns with government assistance programs.
The lack of precise market data suggests a less volatile real estate environment, which can be advantageous for maintaining consistent cash flow. With the FMR set at $1,550, properties in this ZIP code can be rented out to tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers, ensuring a stable tenant base and predictable monthly income. This makes ZIP 95518 particularly suitable for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with low-risk, cash-generating assets.
Although the appreciation potential and specific renter share percentages are not quantified, the steady rental income provided by the FMR supports the idea of using this ZIP code as a foundation for a diversified investment strategy. It serves as a reliable component that can help balance out the risks associated with higher appreciation plays or more volatile markets.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.