Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
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 | $1,510 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,048 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,534 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,897 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,142 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,890 | $660,298 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 95524, the economics of Section 8 housing can be clearly defined using the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and local market rental data. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,930. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive from the Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, for renting a unit to a qualified tenant.
The local market rent, based on Census ACS data, stands at $1,841. This is the average rent that similar units command in the open market without the Section 8 subsidy. It's important to understand that the SAFMR is higher than the local market rent, which might initially seem advantageous to landlords. However, the actual reimbursement received from the program is influenced by several factors, including the tenant's portion of the rent and utility allowances.
A voucher holder is typically required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a family eligible for Section 8, this would mean the tenant contributes approximately $552 towards the rent of a $1,930 two-bedroom apartment. The remaining balance is covered by the government, up to the SAFMR limit. In addition to the base rent, utility allowances are provided to cover electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. These allowances vary but are generally around $300 per month for a two-bedroom unit.
This means that the total reimbursement a landlord receives from the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 95524 is the sum of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance, which comes to about $852. However, since the SAFMR is $1,930, the government will cover the difference between the tenant's payment and the SAFMR, ensuring the landlord receives the full $1,930.
Given that the local market rent is lower at $1,841, landlords in ZIP 95524 who accept Section 8 vouchers will find themselves receiving a slightly higher reimbursement than the typical market rate. This creates a $89 surplus per month, which can be beneficial for landlords looking to avoid vacancies and ensure a steady income stream. It's worth noting that while this SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, it is designed to reflect the local rental market conditions accurately, making it a fair and reasonable rate for both tenants and landlords.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.