Merced County
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents in California. Population: 282,290.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$1,116/mo
↑ 4.2% YoY
+25% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$1,213/mo
↓ 1.1% YoY
+26% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$1,503/mo
↓ 0.4% YoY
+28% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$2,067/mo
↓ 0.7% YoY
+36% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$2,503/mo
↓ 1.2% YoY
+43% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,071 | $1,116 | +$45 (+4.2%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,227 | $1,213 | $-14 (-1.1%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,509 | $1,503 | $-6 (-0.4%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,081 | $2,067 | $-14 (-0.7%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,534 | $2,503 | $-31 (-1.2%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$48,520
$4,043/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$60,120
$5,010/month gross
Other Counties in California
Stanislaus County
1 BR: $1,356/mo
Orange County
1 BR: $2,746/mo
San Luis Obispo County
1 BR: $1,914/mo
Tulare County
1 BR: $1,123/mo
San Bernardino County
1 BR: $1,777/mo
Amador County
1 BR: $1,396/mo
Data source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2026 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units in each area.