Location: Plumas County, CA | Metro: Plumas 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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,242 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,670 | $281,555 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $2,210 | $336,688 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 95956, known as Meadow Valley, CA, is primarily a renter-heavy area with significant voucher demand. With a population of 373, 36.0% of residents are renters, indicating a notable portion of the community relies on rental housing. This percentage suggests that there is a substantial market for Section 8 tenants who often require rental assistance.
The median household income in Meadow Valley is $61,324. Given the typical market rent of $1,168, this means that rent consumes approximately 27.6% of the median household income. To calculate this, we divide the monthly rent by the annual income and multiply by 12: ($1,168 / $61,324) * 12 = 27.6%. This ratio is indicative of the financial burden that renting places on local households, particularly those seeking affordable options.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,600, which is set for FY 2026 in the metropolitan area, the actual rent in Meadow Valley is significantly lower. The FMR represents the upper limit of what HUD considers a reasonable rent for a given area, so the fact that the market rent is below this threshold suggests that landlords in Meadow Valley have a competitive edge in attracting tenants, especially those with vouchers.
A landlord in Meadow Valley should anticipate a tenant profile characterized by individuals and families who rely heavily on rental subsidies. These tenants will likely be from low to moderate-income backgrounds, with a strong need for affordable housing solutions. They might include working-class families, seniors, and disabled individuals who benefit from the reduced financial strain of subsidized rents. Given the lower market rent compared to the FMR, landlords can offer competitive rates while still accommodating the voucher requirements, making their properties attractive to this segment of the population.
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.