Location: Kennebec County, ME | Metro: Sagadahoc County, ME HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,772 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,105 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,353 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,521 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $272,681 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $329,460 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $2,390 | $375,092 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1250 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 04345 in Gardiner, Maine, for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the upper limit for Section 8 rental assistance in the area. However, the Census ACS reports a market rent of just 1045, indicating that landlords can potentially receive more than the average market rate when participating in the Section 8 program. The median home value in Gardiner is 308061, suggesting a moderate housing market where properties are neither overly expensive nor cheap. Renter share stands at 22.4%, meaning a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, which could be an opportunity for landlords to serve a substantial market segment. The median income in Gardiner is 77410, providing insight into the economic conditions of the area and the potential earning capacity of tenants. Despite these numbers, the day DOM (days on market) is listed as N/A, which means there's no specific data on how long it takes for homes to sell in this area, possibly due to limited sales activity. The price-cut share is a mere 0.2%, showing that once properties are priced correctly, they tend to sell without needing significant reductions. These factors combined paint a picture of a stable but modest rental market in Gardiner, Maine.
In Gardiner, landlords who set their rents close to the 1045 market rate but below the 1250 FMR for Section 8 can attract tenants eligible for the program. Given the 22.4% renter share and the 77410 median income, there is a viable tenant pool. Although the lack of DOM data hinders understanding of the local real estate turnover, the low 0.2% price-cut share suggests that pricing strategies are effective and homes are valued appropriately. For small-portfolio investors looking to enter or stay in Gardiner's rental market, the Section 8 program offers a reliable source of income, backed by government subsidies up to 1250 per month, making it a solid investment choice.
Verdict: Suitable for Section 8 participation.
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.