Location: Lincoln County, ME | Metro: Lincoln 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,430 | $327,255 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $404,213 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04348, located in Jefferson, ME, has a population of 3,484 residents, with 15.7% being renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters, suggesting that the demand for rental properties, including those utilizing Section 8 vouchers, is relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in Jefferson is $78,929, which provides a context for evaluating the affordability of housing. The average market rent of $1,193 represents approximately 15.1% of the median household income. This percentage aligns with national averages, indicating that rent is a significant but manageable portion of income for most households.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,420 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 reveals that the actual rent in Jefferson is below the FMR. This means that landlords who charge $1,193 are offering rents that are lower than the federally determined threshold, which can be beneficial for attracting tenants who might have vouchers.
A landlord in Jefferson, ME, should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who are likely to be eligible for Section 8 vouchers due to their lower income levels relative to the median. However, given the low percentage of renters, the number of such tenants will also be limited. The typical tenant will need to allocate about 15.1% of their income towards rent, which is reasonable but still a considerable expense.
To conclude, ZIP 04348 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand; it is more homeowner-dominated. Landlords should prepare for a smaller pool of potential Section 8 tenants, who will likely represent a modest portion of the total rental market. These tenants will be characterized by lower incomes, necessitating careful screening to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and can manage the expected rent burden.
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.