Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Oxford 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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $300,086 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $363,842 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,960 | $403,980 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04268, located in Norway, ME, resides within the broader context of the Oxford County, ME metro area. Its Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,090 for fiscal year 2026 stands notably higher than the market rent figure of $770. This discrepancy suggests that the area may be underutilized for Section 8 housing opportunities, as the actual market rents are significantly lower than the FMR threshold.
Comparatively, the median home value in ZIP 04268 is listed at $334,936, which could indicate that it is neither a value pocket nor a premium sub-market but rather a middle-ground neighborhood within the Oxford County metro. The renter share of 29.5% aligns closely with what might be expected in a typical ZIP code within the county, suggesting that the rental market here is not unusually saturated or sparse.
A key observation is the high renter share relative to the below-metro average home values. While the home values are not explicitly stated to be below average for the entire Oxford County, the combination of a relatively high renter share and a median home value that is not exceptionally high can suggest that ZIP 04268 offers opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for areas where the cost of property ownership remains accessible while still having a significant portion of renters who may qualify for Section 8 assistance.
In summary, ZIP 04268 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Oxford County, ME metro, offering a balance between market rent and home value. It presents a scenario where the potential for Section 8 participation is favorable due to the gap between market rents and FMR, alongside a notable renter population, making it a strategic location for those interested in affordable rental investments.
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.