Location: Colusa County, CA | Metro: Yolo, CA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,329 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,026 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,227 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,900 | $307,189 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $2,630 | $409,291 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $2,870 | $494,668 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering Arbuckle, CA (ZIP 95912), might raise several valid concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in the area under the Section 8 program. Here's a detailed look at those concerns using the provided data.
Will FMR $1980 (zip FY 2024) cover the mortgage on a $416,307 home? The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1980 for ZIP 95912 in fiscal year 2024 is unlikely to cover the mortgage on a $416,307 home. A typical mortgage payment for such a property, assuming a 30-year fixed-rate loan at an interest rate of around 4%, would be approximately $2000 per month. This means that the FMR is just below the required monthly payment to break even, leaving little room for property management costs, maintenance, and other expenses. Therefore, relying solely on the FMR to cover mortgage payments would be financially risky.
Is there enough renter demand at 30.9%? The renter demand in Arbuckle, CA, stands at 30.9%. This percentage suggests that nearly one-third of the population is renting, which can be considered a moderate level of demand. However, it is crucial to note that this figure does not directly indicate the number of potential Section 8 tenants. To gauge the actual demand for subsidized housing, further analysis of local demographics and the availability of affordable housing units is necessary. The data provided does not offer a direct measure of the number of renters specifically interested in Section 8 housing.
Will vouchers keep pace with $1,172 market rents? Section 8 vouchers aim to cover a significant portion of market rents but do not guarantee full coverage. In ZIP 95912, the average market rent is $1,172. If the voucher amount is close to the FMR of $1980, it could potentially cover most of the market rent, especially if the landlord negotiates a lower rent cap. However, the data does not provide specific figures on the average voucher amount, making it challenging to definitively state whether vouchers will keep pace with market rents. Landlords should monitor local housing authority announcements and trends to ensure they stay informed about any changes in voucher amounts.
In conclusion, while the data provides some insights into the financial viability of Section 8 investments in Arbuckle, CA, it also highlights areas where further investigation is needed. Potential investors must weigh these factors carefully before committing to a property purchase in this area.
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.