Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Franklin County, ME
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 04227, located in Oxford County, Maine, within the metro area, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for real estate investment under Section 8.
The first question concerns whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,070. However, the market rent is listed as N/A, indicating that there is insufficient data to determine if the rental income aligns with the FMR. This lack of information makes it difficult to assess the financial viability of rental properties in this area strictly based on rent alone.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the data shows that the median home value is also listed as N/A, along with the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring a price cut. Without these figures, it's challenging to evaluate how easy or costly it would be to purchase properties in this ZIP code. Investors should seek additional local real estate market data to make an informed decision.
The third point to consider is tenant demand. The ZIP code has a total population of 35, with a 0.0% renter share. This indicates that virtually all residents are homeowners, which significantly reduces the potential pool of tenants for rental properties. Such low tenant demand suggests that finding qualified Section 8 tenants could be particularly challenging in this area.
Verdict: Investment in ZIP code 04227 presents significant challenges. The absence of market rent data and median home values means that the financial feasibility and affordability of acquiring properties cannot be fully assessed. Furthermore, the extremely low renter share in a very small population implies that tenant demand is minimal, making it an unattractive location for Section 8-focused real estate investments. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should look elsewhere for better opportunities that meet their investment criteria.
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.