Location: Sagadahoc County, ME | Metro: Cumberland County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,610 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,921 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,392 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,743 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,980 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for the Section 8 program in ZIP code 04011, located in Brunswick, Maine, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $1600, while the market rent, as indicated by the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $2195. This means that landlords can expect a shortfall of $595 per unit if they rent exclusively to voucher tenants.
To put this into perspective, the shortfall represents approximately 27% of the market rent. In a context where 28.8% of residents are renters, and the median income hovers around $74,952, the disparity highlights the financial challenges faced by landlords who choose to participate in the Section 8 program. The median home value in the area is $485,700, indicating a relatively affluent neighborhood; however, the lower median income suggests that many residents still rely on rental assistance programs like Section 8.
The discrepancy between FMR and market rent poses a risk to landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maximize their returns. While the program aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income families, it also necessitates a careful consideration of the financial implications for property owners. With voucher tenants paying less than the market rate, landlords must evaluate whether the long-term stability and government-backed payments outweigh the immediate reduction in rental income.
In summary, the gap between the FMR of $1600 and the market rent of $2195 in ZIP 04011 is a critical factor for landlords and small-portfolio investors. It presents a challenge in balancing the provision of affordable housing with maintaining a viable rental business, especially given the local economic conditions where the median income does not fully support market rents.
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.