Location: Hancock County, ME | Metro: Hancock 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $259,922 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,850 | $307,712 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $318,264 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 04416, Bucksport, ME, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Hancock County, ME, metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,360. However, the actual market rent as per the Census ACS data stands at $881. This discrepancy indicates that landlords may struggle to cover costs, including mortgage payments, maintenance, and property management, at the higher FMR rate.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $273,110. While the days on market (DOM) data is not available, the low 0.2% price-cut share suggests that homes are selling close to their asking prices, indicating a stable market where properties are valued appropriately. This makes it a feasible option for landlords looking to enter the market without overextending their budgets.
Tenant demand in ZIP 04416 is moderate. With a total population of 5,497 and 23.6% of residents being renters, there is a consistent but limited pool of potential tenants. Landlords can expect steady occupancy rates, though the competition for rental units may be significant given the relatively high proportion of renters in the area.
In summary, while the acquisition cost and stability of the real estate market in ZIP 04416 make it an attractive location for small-portfolio investors, the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent poses a challenge. Landlords must carefully manage their expenses and possibly seek alternative revenue streams to ensure profitability. Tenant demand is present, but the financial viability of rental properties hinges critically on the ability to operate efficiently within the lower market rent parameters.
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.