Location: Penobscot County, ME | Metro: Penobscot County, ME (part) 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,380 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,564 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,742 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $238,394 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $2,470 | $294,291 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Bradley, ME, located in ZIP code 04411, is a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,645 residents. Only 15.4% of these residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied neighborhood. The median household income in Bradley stands at $76,667, which suggests a middle-class area where most families can afford their living expenses. Median home values in the area are quite high, at $270,368, reflecting the generally stable and desirable nature of the housing market.
The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 04411 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,260, while the actual market rent, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $1,088. This discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive higher rents than the local market average, providing a financial advantage. However, the relatively low percentage of renters indicates that there might be limited demand for rental properties in the area.
Given these conditions, ZIP 04411 is better suited for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The higher subsidy rates compared to market rents offer a steady, reliable income stream without the need for extensive property management or renovation efforts. Landlords who are already operating in the area or looking to invest in a low-risk, stable environment will find the Section 8 program beneficial, especially if they aim to minimize tenant turnover and maintenance costs.
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.