Kern County, CA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Kern County (Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent | Voucher range (90–110%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,132 | $1,019–$1,245 |
| 1 BR | $1,140 | $1,026–$1,254 |
| 2 BR | $1,483 | $1,335–$1,631 |
| 3 BR | $2,062 | $1,856–$2,268 |
| 4 BR | $2,488 | $2,239–$2,737 |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).
Check a rent or ZIP
— or pick a county —
Section 8 rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMR)
This area uses ZIP-level Small Area FMRs, so the voucher amount varies by neighborhood. Pick a ZIP:
- 93203
- 93205
- 93206
- 93220
- 93222
- 93224
- 93226
- 93240
- 93241
- 93249
- 93250
- 93251
- 93255
- 93263
- 93268
- 93276
- 93280
- 93283
- 93285
- 93287
- 93301
- 93302
- 93303
- 93304
- 93305
- 93306
- 93307
- 93308
- 93309
- 93311
- 93312
- 93313
- 93314
- 93380
- 93384
- 93385
- 93386
- 93387
- 93388
- 93389
- 93390
- 93501
- 93502
- 93504
- 93505
- 93518
- 93519
- 93523
- 93524
- 93528
- 93531
- 93554
- 93556
- 93561
- 93581
What this means
If you rent (or are renting out) a home in Kern County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $1,335–$1,631/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Fair Market Rent in Kern County, CA for 2026?
- For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Kern County (Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA) is $1,132 for a studio, $1,140 for 1 bedroom, $1,483 for 2 bedrooms, $2,062 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,488 for 4 bedrooms.
- How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Kern County?
- Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Kern County that range is about $1,335–$1,631 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
- Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?
- No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.