Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Oxford County, ME
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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,280 | $304,118 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $368,232 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in Fryeburg, ME (ZIP 04037) presents a dynamic environment where rental prices are notably below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) threshold set at $1,400. Currently, the market rent stands at $890, according to Census ACS data, indicating a substantial gap between what the market is willing to bear and the government's benchmark for affordability. This suggests that demand for rentals is not as robust as it could be, possibly due to an ample supply of rental units or other factors such as seasonal fluctuations.
The median home value in Fryeburg is $347,262, which places homeownership within reach for many potential buyers, especially those who might otherwise consider renting. However, the fact that the percentage of price-cut share and days on market (DOM) are not available points to a lack of recent transactional data, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact supply-demand balance. Nonetheless, the relatively low market rent compared to the FMR implies that there might be a slight over-supply of rental properties, which could be a result of the area's appeal to both permanent residents and vacationers.
Arenter share of 15.6% is indicative of a predominantly owner-occupied community. This low percentage of renters suggests that there is less immediate pressure on the rental market, but it also highlights a potential long-term trend. As the cost of homeownership can be prohibitive for some, a low renter share may eventually lead to increased rental demand if the population grows or economic conditions change. The low renter share could mean that Fryeburg is attractive for families and individuals looking to own rather than rent, which supports the idea of a stable, possibly growing homeowner base.
In summary, Fryeburg's real estate market shows signs of equilibrium with a slight bias towards supply over demand in the rental sector. The low renter share indicates a strong preference for homeownership, which could mitigate rental pressures in the short term. However, landlords and small-portfolio investors should remain vigilant to changes in the local economy and population trends that could shift these dynamics.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.