The federal government is currently assisting in covering California rents of up to $7,030 near the Mexican border, according to recent data. This assistance comes in the form of the Section 8 housing voucher program, where families are required to contribute 30% of their incomes towards housing costs, with a federal voucher covering the remainder. The aim of the program is to provide tenants with the opportunity to move into neighborhoods with job opportunities, public transportation, and good schools.
In San Diego County, there are three ZIP Codes where fair market rents covered by Section 8 exceed $7,000 per month for a four-bedroom home. These areas include Del Mar, Rancho Sante Fe, and Chula Vista. The income limit for a family of five to qualify for Section 8 in San Diego County is $49,500, with families expected to contribute up to approximately $1,237.50 per month towards the high fair market rents authorized for Section 8 vouchers.
The fair market rent (FMR) is set by the 40th percentile rent, as determined by the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. As of March 31, there are four four-bedroom homes for rent in Chula Vista’s 91914 ZIP code, with rental prices ranging from $3,800 per month to $10,000 per month. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported that 2.3 million households receive Section 8 vouchers, costing federal taxpayers $32.8 billion in fiscal year 2025.
Expensive coastal regions receive a disproportionate share of voucher funding due to maximum voucher amounts being set by local rents. This can lead to challenges in affordability for families in these areas.
In conclusion, while the Section 8 housing voucher program provides valuable assistance to families in need, it also highlights the disparities in housing affordability across different regions. The program plays a crucial role in helping families access safe and stable housing, but more efforts may be needed to address the affordability challenges in expensive coastal regions.
