Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,318 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,716 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,013 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,214 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 95549, understanding the economic dynamics of Section 8 vouchers is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP is set at $1,590 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards rent for a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 program.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom in ZIP 95549, according to the latest Census ACS data, stands at $2,750 per month. This indicates a significant disparity between the SAFMR and the actual market rates, which can impact a landlord's decision to accept Section 8 tenants.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent amount. Typically, the tenant is required to pay 30% of their adjusted income toward the rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a tenant in this area, the calculation would be as follows:
Let’s say the tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,500. The tenant would contribute 30% of this, which amounts to $450. The housing authority then pays the remainder up to the SAFMR limit of $1,590. Therefore, in this scenario, the housing authority would reimburse the landlord $1,140 ($1,590 - $450).
Utility allowances are also factored into the equation. These allowances vary but generally cover a portion of the tenant’s electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. For ZIP 95549, the utility allowance might add an additional $200-$300 to the total reimbursement, depending on the specifics of the voucher and the tenant's needs.
Given these factors, the total reimbursement to the landlord could range from $1,340 to $1,440 per month. However, since the local market rent is $2,750, this leaves a substantial gap between the voucher reimbursement and the market rate.
To summarize, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 95549, the typical voucher reimbursement gap is around $1,310 to $1,410 per month, calculated as the difference between the market rent of $2,750 and the potential reimbursement range of $1,340 to $1,440. This gap must be considered when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program, as it directly affects the financial bottom line for landlords.
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.