Location: Piscataquis County, ME | Metro: Piscataquis 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,370 | $213,067 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $239,606 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,800 | $259,541 | 0.69% | D |
| 5BR | $2,088 | $293,091 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04426, located in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, represents a modest-sized community with a population of 4,999 residents. Approximately 30.4% of these residents are renters, indicating a significant but not overwhelming portion of the market that relies on rental housing. This percentage suggests that while there is a substantial demand for rentals, it is not a renter-heavy area compared to larger metropolitan areas.
The median household income in this ZIP is $63,491, which is an important figure when assessing the affordability of housing. The average market rent for properties in this area stands at $876 per month. To put this into perspective, the typical rent consumes about 17.1% of the median household income, calculated by dividing the annual rent ($10,512) by the median household income ($63,491).
When comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $1,480 per month for FY 2026 in the metro area, it becomes evident that Dover-Foxcroft offers a more affordable living option. The FMR is significantly higher than the actual market rent, suggesting that tenants in this area may find it easier to secure housing with their vouchers.
In terms of Section 8 tenant demand, Dover-Foxcroft likely has a moderate need for subsidized housing. Given the lower market rents relative to the FMR, landlords can expect a steady flow of tenants who might be able to leverage their vouchers effectively. However, the demand for vouchers is not as intense as it would be in areas with higher percentages of renters or where the cost of living is more closely aligned with the FMR.
A landlord in this ZIP code should anticipate a tenant pool that is primarily made up of individuals and families who are financially constrained but still within the middle-income bracket. These tenants will likely be seeking affordable housing options and may benefit from Section 8 vouchers to meet their housing needs. It's crucial for landlords to understand that while the demand for vouchers exists, it is not overwhelming, and they should manage their expectations accordingly.
To conclude, ZIP 04426 is a balanced market with a notable but not dominant renter population. Landlords can expect a mix of tenants, some of whom will rely on Section 8 vouchers to afford the average market rent. With typical rents consuming less than 20% of the median income, this area provides a relatively stable and affordable environment for both landlords and tenants.
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.