Location: Trinity County, CA | Metro: Trinity 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,200 | $248,578 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $343,230 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 96091, which encompasses Trinity Center, CA, in Trinity County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment set at $1,260 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is higher than the local market rent, which stands at $1,139 according to the Census ACS.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives a subsidy from the government to cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent. For ZIP 96091, the SAFMR specifically sets the rate for this area, ensuring that it reflects the local rental market conditions accurately.
The tenant's portion of the rent is typically calculated as 30% of their adjusted income. Utility allowances are also factored into the reimbursement calculation, but these vary based on the specific voucher and the family's needs. For simplicity, let's assume an average utility allowance of $200 per month, which is added to the tenant's contribution towards the rent.
If a tenant's adjusted income is $1,500 per month, their contribution would be $450 (30% of $1,500), plus the utility allowance of $200, making a total of $650. In this case, the government would subsidize the remaining amount up to the SAFMR of $1,260. Thus, the landlord would receive $610 ($1,260 - $650) from the government as part of the Section 8 voucher payment.
This scenario illustrates that landlords can expect a consistent monthly income that is close to or slightly above the local market rent. Given that the SAFMR exceeds the local market rent, there is generally a surplus for landlords. The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 96091 is $121 per month ($1,260 - $1,139).
In summary, landlords in ZIP 96091 can rely on Section 8 vouchers to provide a steady income that is competitive with or slightly better than the prevailing market rates. This makes the program attractive for those looking to stabilize their rental income without the risk of vacancy or non-payment.
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.