Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Franklin 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,751 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,889 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,630 | $225,888 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 04224, located in Oxford County, Maine, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030, while the current market rent stands at $671. This significant spread of $359 between the FMR and the market rent ensures that landlords can secure steady, above-average rental income through the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 04224 is $187,281, which further supports the case for this area being a reliable cash-flow generator. Landlords can expect consistent returns on their investment without the volatility associated with rapidly appreciating markets. The stability of this ZIP code's housing market means that the risk of sudden price increases or decreases is minimal, allowing for predictable cash flows.
While there is no specific data provided regarding price-cut shares or days on the market (DOM), the lack of these metrics does not detract from the strong cash-flow potential. In fact, the absence of high appreciation opportunities makes ZIP 04224 even more suitable for a cash-flow focused strategy. Investors seeking rapid capital appreciation should look elsewhere, but those looking for a stable and reliable source of rental income will find ZIP 04224 particularly attractive.
The 14.0% renter share indicates that there is a moderate demand for rental properties in the area, making it a viable market for Section 8 tenants. With a median income of $71,513, residents have the financial stability to support a steady rental market. This combination of factors—above-market rents guaranteed by the Section 8 program and a stable local economy—makes ZIP 04224 a strong candidate for anchoring a portfolio's cash flow.
In summary, ZIP 04224 excels as a cash-flow anchor due to its substantial spread between FMR and market rent, stable median home values, and moderate tenant demand. This ZIP code provides a solid foundation for generating reliable income within a Section 8 portfolio strategy.
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.