Location: Tehama County, CA | Metro: Tehama County, CA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,656 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,213 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,374 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 96078, located in Tehama County, California, reveals several critical points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably here. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,350 for fiscal year 2026, does not reflect the actual market conditions. Since the market rent data is currently unavailable, it's challenging to make a direct comparison, but the FMR suggests that rental rates may be artificially inflated or based on broader regional averages that do not apply to this specific ZIP code.
Regarding property acquisition, the metrics also present a less favorable picture. With the median home value being listed as N/A and the days on market (DOM) and percentage of homes needing price cuts also unspecified, there isn't enough data to assess affordability conclusively. However, the lack of detailed market data indicates potential instability or limited activity in the real estate market, which could affect both the ease and cost of acquiring properties.
Tenant demand is particularly weak in ZIP 96078. The total population is only 454, and the renter share stands at an abysmal 0.0%. This means there are virtually no tenants looking for rental properties, making it difficult to find occupants even if the rent math were to work out.
Verdict: ZIP 96078 is not a viable investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to the questionable rent math, unclear acquisition costs, and negligible tenant demand. The extremely low population and lack of renters suggest that any investment in this area would likely face significant challenges in generating returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.