Location: Sagadahoc County, ME | Metro: Sagadahoc County, ME 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 | $1,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,280 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,794 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,178 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,437 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,210 | $421,490 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $3,060 | $476,460 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $3,690 | $558,162 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04086, located in Topsham, ME, has a population of 9,706 residents. With 21.1% of the population being renters, it indicates that this area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. This suggests that the demand for Section 8 vouchers is likely to be lower compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in Topsham is $91,028, which is relatively high. The typical market rent for the area stands at $1,355. To put this into perspective, the average rent consumes approximately 17.1% of the median household income, calculated by dividing the market rent ($1,355) by the annual median income ($91,028) and multiplying by 100. This figure is close to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,360 for FY 2024, indicating that the rental market in Topsham aligns closely with government standards.
In this context, landlords can expect tenants who are financially stable and capable of meeting their rental obligations. While Section 8 vouchers are available, the overall number of voucher holders in the area may be limited due to the lower percentage of renters and higher median income levels. Tenants will likely have a strong need to find affordable housing options, but the competition for these vouchers might be less intense than in areas with higher renter populations and lower median incomes.
To summarize, ZIP 04086 in Topsham, ME, is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand. Instead, it is a homeowner-dominated area where vouchers are scarcer. Landlords should anticipate tenants who are seeking affordable housing options within a competitive yet stable rental market, with rents consuming about 17.1% of the median local income.
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.