Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Lewiston-Auburn, ME MSA
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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,062 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,703 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,888 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,580 | $316,184 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,190 | $361,846 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,640 | $434,553 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 04270, which covers Oxford, ME, in Oxford County, revolve around the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) set specifically for this ZIP. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment is $1110. This figure is higher than the local market rent, which stands at $1,031 according to the Census ACS.
A Section 8 voucher pays a significant portion of the rent, but it's not the entire amount. Here's how it breaks down:
To illustrate, if a landlord charges $1110 per month for a two-bedroom unit, the voucher will cover most of this cost, with the tenant paying the remaining 30% of their adjusted income. If the tenant's income is low enough, their contribution might be minimal, making the voucher closer to covering the full rent. Utility allowances can further reduce the out-of-pocket expense for tenants.
In ZIP 04270, landlords may find that the SAFMR rate of $1110 is slightly above the local market rent of $1,031. This means that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect a slight surplus when renting a two-bedroom apartment at the market rate. However, if the landlord charges the full SAFMR rate, there would be no surplus, as the reimbursement matches the rent charged.
The key takeaway is that in Oxford, ME, landlords can generally expect the Section 8 voucher to cover the full market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, with a small surplus. This makes the program relatively attractive compared to other areas where the SAFMR might be lower than the market rent.
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.