Location: Lewiston-Auburn, 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,981 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,606 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,786 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,210 | $416,919 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,570 | $491,102 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04282 in Pennsylvania has a population of 5,891 residents, with only 10.4% being renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters, suggesting that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers is likely to be relatively low.
The median household income in ZIP 04282 is $100,036, which places it in a higher income bracket compared to many other areas. The typical market rent in this ZIP code is $584, which equates to about 6.8% of the median household income. This percentage reflects that the average rent is quite affordable relative to the income level, but it also implies that the number of potential tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance due to lower income thresholds will be limited.
When comparing the market rent of $584 to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,380 (for FY 2024), it's evident that the actual rents in ZIP 04282 are significantly below the FMR. This could be beneficial for landlords who wish to participate in the Section 8 program, as their rental units would likely fall well within the allowable rent range, making them eligible for Section 8 vouchers without needing to adjust their pricing.
A landlord in ZIP 04282 can expect to attract tenants who, while potentially qualifying for Section 8 assistance, might also have access to a portion of their income to cover additional expenses or higher rent. Given the higher median income and lower percentage of renters, these tenants are likely to be individuals or families who, despite having moderate to lower incomes, still find the rental market attractive due to the affordability of the housing in this area.
To summarize, ZIP 04282 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand. Instead, it is an area where homeownership is prevalent, and those seeking rentals may have a broader financial base than typical Section 8 tenants in more densely populated rental markets. Landlords should prepare for a mix of tenants who might benefit from vouchers but also have the means to contribute to their housing costs beyond what the vouchers cover.
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.