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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,280 | $215,037 | 0.6% | F |
| 2BR | $1,670 | $272,981 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $2,210 | $357,749 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $2,310 | $394,894 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Quincy, CA (ZIP 95971) market presents a nuanced opportunity for Section 8 investors, particularly when comparing the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,600 against the Census American Community Survey's reported market rent of $1,646 for the same area. This comparison indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally, with a slight gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. The HUD FMR is set to cover the majority of costs but not entirely, meaning landlords may need to rely on premium units or slightly lower-cost properties to ensure positive cashflow.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value of $318,742. This figure yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.57%, calculated by dividing the average monthly rent ($1,646) by the median home value ($318,742) and multiplying by 100. A lower rent-to-price ratio suggests that the area may be more suitable for buy-and-hold strategies rather than rental income maximization, given the relatively high property values compared to rents.
In terms of the days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, both metrics are marked as N/A. However, these factors are crucial in understanding the dynamics of the local real estate market. If DOM is typically low, it signals a strong seller's market where homes sell quickly, potentially indicating higher appreciation rates. Conversely, a high DOM could suggest a buyer's market where patience might be rewarded with better deals. Similarly, a low price-cut share implies that sellers are not having to reduce their asking prices significantly, which can also point towards a stable or appreciating market.
The strongest investor angle in Quincy, CA, appears to be stability. Given the marginal cashflow from voucher tenants and the moderate rent-to-price ratio, investors should focus on the long-term benefits of owning properties in a stable market, where consistent rental income and steady appreciation can provide reliable returns over time.
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.