Location: Kennebec County, ME | Metro: Kennebec 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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,109 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,761 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,949 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,190 | $334,379 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 04265, the economics of Section 8 vouchers are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,750 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is higher than the local market rent, which averages at $1,408 according to the Census ACS. For landlords, understanding what a voucher actually pays involves factoring in the tenant's portion and utility allowances.
The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income. If a tenant has an adjusted income of $1,500, they would contribute $450 towards rent. Utility allowances vary but are generally around $100-$200 per month, depending on the region and type of utilities included. Therefore, the total amount a landlord can expect from a voucher is the SAFMR minus the tenant's contribution plus any applicable utility allowance.
For example, if we take the SAFMR of $1,750 and subtract a tenant's contribution of $450, the landlord receives $1,300. Adding a utility allowance of $150 brings the total reimbursement to $1,450. This means that in ZIP 04265, where the average market rent is $1,408, a landlord participating in the Section 8 program would see a small surplus of approximately $42 per month on a two-bedroom unit.
This surplus occurs because the SAFMR is slightly above the actual market rent, making it financially viable for landlords to accept Section 8 tenants. However, landlords should be aware that the SAFMR is set specifically for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects local housing costs and does not apply uniformly across a broader metro or county area.
To summarize, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 04265 under the Section 8 program is a surplus of about $42 per month, assuming the tenant's contribution and utility allowance are as calculated above. This surplus can help offset some of the administrative burdens associated with participating in the program, ensuring landlords receive fair compensation for their properties.
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.