Location: Franklin County, ME | Metro: Franklin 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,448 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,742 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,961 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,109 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,260 | $218,109 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,740 | $255,253 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $2,110 | $283,994 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 04294, located in Wilton, ME, Franklin County, ME metro area, serves as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The primary reason for this classification is the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market conditions.
The FMR for a one-bedroom unit in the Franklin County, ME metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,370. In contrast, the median market rent in ZIP 04294 is $446, and the median home value is $231,263. This substantial gap means that properties in this ZIP code can be rented out at rates well above the local market average when participating in the Section 8 program, thereby ensuring strong cash flow.
While there are no specific figures provided for price-cut share and days on market (DOM), these metrics would typically indicate slower appreciation in areas where rental demand is lower. However, given the disparity between FMR and market rent, the focus should be on the immediate financial benefits rather than long-term appreciation.
ZIP 04294 also features a 19.8% renter share, indicating a moderate level of rental activity. With a median income of $63,104, tenants are likely to be financially stable and able to meet the requirements of the Section 8 program. This makes ZIP 04294 an attractive option for landlords seeking reliable tenants who can afford the higher rents enabled by the Section 8 subsidy.
In summary, ZIP 04294 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between the FMR and the local market conditions. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect steady, predictable returns from properties in this ZIP code when they participate in the Section 8 program.
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.