Location: York County, ME | Metro: York County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,370 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,236 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,914 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,110 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,490 | $397,546 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04061, located in York County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area, presents a unique opportunity for Section 8 real-estate investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1500 for the fiscal year 2024. However, due to the lack of recent market rent data, it's challenging to make an exact comparison between the FMR and the prevailing rental rates.
In the absence of specific market rent figures, we can infer that the area might be slightly underserved by the Section 8 program based on the median home value of $381,883. This yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.39%, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This suggests that voucher tenants could potentially cash flow at the FMR, but this would depend heavily on the actual market rents and the condition of the properties.
The data also lacks specifics on the number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, which are typically important indicators for understanding the local real estate market dynamics. These metrics would help us gauge how competitive the rental market is relative to the buying market, and whether there is a significant demand for rental properties among voucher holders.
Despite these limitations, the stability of the area stands out as the strongest investor angle. With a consistent HUD FMR and a robust median home value, landlords and small-portfolio investors can rely on steady cash flows from Section 8 tenants, provided they manage their expenses efficiently and maintain quality units. The stability offered by the Section 8 program, combined with the strong underlying property values, makes ZIP 04061 a reliable investment choice for those looking to enter the rental market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.