Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,854 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,196 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,452 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,625 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental landscape in ZIP code 95560 presents a stark contrast between market realities and government assistance standards. Households here earn a median income of $23,720, making it challenging to afford the market rate rent of $659 per month, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS).
However, the situation becomes even more pronounced when comparing these figures to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard of $1,460 per month, set for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. This indicates that the voucher payment is significantly higher than the current market rate, offering a substantial incentive for landlords who accept vouchers.
In ZIP 95560, with a population of 1,213 and 66.4% of residents being renters, the competition among landlords is likely to be fierce. The affordability gap means that many renters will struggle to find housing that fits their budget without relying on assistance programs like Section 8 vouchers.
For landlords considering their strategy, accepting vouchers could provide a steady stream of tenants, albeit at a higher rent than the market rate. However, it also comes with the administrative burden and potential delays associated with the voucher program. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants might limit the pool of available renters given the economic constraints of the area.
The takeaway is clear: landlords in ZIP 95560 should consider the benefits of participating in the voucher program, as it offers a way to charge more than the typical market rate while still attracting tenants who would otherwise struggle to afford housing. This approach can help balance the financial needs of landlords with the economic realities faced by local renters.
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.