Location: Waldo County, ME | Metro: Kennebec 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,506 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,032 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,184 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,050 | $270,339 | 0.39% | F |
| 2BR | $1,370 | $314,639 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,760 | $362,545 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $2,160 | $406,275 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 04358, located in China Village, ME, within the Waldo County, ME metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the region is set at $1,450 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably lower than the median home value of $332,953. This creates a significant spread that benefits landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The primary advantage of anchoring your portfolio in ZIP 04358 is the guaranteed rental income through the Section 8 program. Landlords receive monthly payments directly from the government, ensuring a steady cash flow. The FMR of $1,450 is fixed and covers the majority of the rent, making it predictable and reliable.
While the median income of $96,309 suggests potential for higher market rents, the lack of available market rental data means that the FMR remains the most reliable figure for planning purposes. This ZIP code does not offer insights into appreciation plays due to the absence of specific data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM).
The 8.2% renter share indicates a smaller percentage of renters compared to owners, but this makes it a solid choice for a cash-flow anchor. Landlords can rely on the consistent demand for subsidized housing without the risk of over-relying on volatile market conditions. The combination of a stable rental base and a guaranteed income stream from the government ensures that properties in ZIP 04358 will provide a dependable financial foundation for any Section 8 portfolio.
In conclusion, ZIP 04358 should be considered primarily as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $1,450 FMR provides a stable income source, and the median home value of $332,953 offers a reasonable asset value. This makes it an ideal location for landlords seeking to secure their investment's financial performance against market fluctuations.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.