Location: Amador County, CA | Metro: Amador 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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,508 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,683 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,710 | $338,363 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,160 | $437,931 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 95689, located in Volcano, California, within the Amador County metro area, reveals key insights for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,580. However, the market rent for ZIP 95689 is currently not available, which makes it difficult to compare the two figures directly. This lack of data suggests that the rental market might be underdeveloped or less tracked in this area.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value stands at $394,596. Without specific data on the number of days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that required price cuts, it's challenging to gauge how competitive the market is for acquiring properties. Nonetheless, the median home value provides a benchmark for investment costs in the area.
The third point concerns tenant demand. With a total population of 1,429, only 7.5% of residents are renters. This indicates a relatively low demand for rental properties, which could pose challenges for landlords looking to fill vacancies and maintain consistent cash flows.
In summary, while the FMR provides a target rental rate, the absence of market-specific data complicates the assessment of whether the rent math works effectively in ZIP 95689. Acquisition costs are moderate given the median home value, but without additional metrics on market dynamics, it's uncertain if the investment will be easily absorbed. Tenant demand appears limited due to the small population and low renter share, suggesting that landlords should carefully evaluate their investment strategy and possibly consider diversifying into other areas with higher rental demand.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.