Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 96052 - 2027
Location: Trinity County, CA | Metro: Trinity County, CA
Investment Score for ZIP 96052
F
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$1,180
Median Price (2BR)
$235,899
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms |
Monthly FMR |
Median Price |
1% Rule |
Grade |
| 2BR |
$1,180 |
$235,899 |
0.5% |
F |
| 3BR |
$1,540 |
$311,261 |
0.49% |
F |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$37,222
A skeptical investor considering Lewiston, CA (ZIP 96052), might raise several concerns regarding the viability of investing in properties that participate in the Section 8 program. Let's address these concerns head-on using the available data.
- Will FMR $1,220 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $266,425 home? The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Lewiston, CA, is set at $1,220 for fiscal year 2026. To determine if this will sufficiently cover the mortgage on a $266,425 home, we need to consider typical interest rates and loan terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an average interest rate of 4.5%, the monthly payment on a $266,425 home would be approximately $1,337. This means that the FMR does not fully cover the mortgage payment, leaving a shortfall of around $117 per month. However, it's important to note that property taxes and insurance can vary widely, impacting overall costs.
- Is there enough renter demand at 30.7%? With a rental vacancy rate of 30.7%, it might seem that there isn't sufficient demand for rental properties in Lewiston, CA. A high vacancy rate suggests a competitive market where finding tenants could be challenging. However, this percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story. It's essential to look at the total number of renters and the local economy to gauge potential demand. Additionally, the presence of Section 8 households might offset some of the risks associated with higher vacancy rates.
- Will vouchers keep pace with $1,113 market rents? The average market rent in Lewiston, CA, is $1,113. Given that the FMR is slightly above this figure at $1,220, it indicates that vouchers should generally keep pace with market rents. However, the actual amount of the voucher can vary based on household size and income level. Landlords must ensure they understand the specific voucher amounts available to Section 8 participants in their area to avoid under-renting. While the data suggests vouchers will align with market rents, it's crucial to stay updated on any changes in voucher policies or funding.
The data provides insights into the financial aspects of investing in Lewiston, CA, but it's also important to consider other factors such as property management costs, local regulations, and the broader economic trends affecting the area. These elements can influence the overall profitability and feasibility of a Section 8 investment.
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.