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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $240,904 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,800 | $400,799 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,880 | $572,704 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1,350 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 96020, California, as set by HUD for metro FY 2026. 1,130 is the average market rent for the area based on Census ACS data, indicating that properties priced at the FMR could be competitively positioned. 345,363 represents the median home value in the region, suggesting a relatively stable housing market where property investments can be lucrative. 28.4% is the share of renters in the area, which is a significant portion of the population but still leaves a substantial market for homeownership. 50,489 is the median income in ZIP 96020, providing insight into the financial capacity of residents to afford housing costs. The data does not provide a specific number of days on market (DOM), nor a percentage of price-cut shares, leaving some uncertainty around the speed of transactions and the frequency of price adjustments. However, the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, combined with the median home value and the renter share, indicates strong potential for Section 8 rental properties in this area. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect steady demand and reasonable returns given the current economic conditions and the availability of rental assistance through the Section 8 program. In conclusion, the presence of a sizeable renter base and the favorable gap between FMR and market rents supports an affirmative stance on investing in Section 8 properties within ZIP 96020.
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.