Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,850 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,306 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,703 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,999 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,199 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median home value in ZIP 95537, which is part of the Humboldt County, CA metro area, is $360,300. This figure is slightly above the national median home value of $303,400 but significantly lower than other nearby ZIP codes. When comparing the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is set at $1,660 for the fiscal year 2026, against the actual market rent, we find that the market rent is notably lower. According to recent data, the average market rent in ZIP 95537 is $713, indicating that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR level.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the median home value of $360,300 and the average market rent of $713. This yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.2%, which suggests that the area is heavily skewed towards homeownership rather than renting. However, given the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, it's evident that landlords can expect positive cashflow from voucher tenants even at the FMR rate.
The median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available for ZIP 95537. Nonetheless, these metrics would be crucial for understanding the dynamics between renting and buying in the area. Since the market rent is significantly below the median home value, it implies that the cost of renting is much less than owning, which could influence the decision-making process of potential buyers and renters.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 95537 is cashflow, due to the substantial gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This makes the area particularly attractive for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
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.