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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,590 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,376 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,781 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,083 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,080 | $193,001 | 1.08% | B |
| 3BR | $2,830 | $259,310 | 1.09% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 04435 (Exeter, ME) on the axes of yield and stability reveals it to be a moderate cash flow opportunity with some considerations regarding stability.
On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 04435 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,080, which is higher than the market rent of $995. This indicates that properties in this area could potentially generate slightly above-market rental yields when participating in the Section 8 program. However, the median home value stands at $215,208, which is significantly higher than the median household income of $84,408. This suggests that tenants might find it challenging to afford higher rents outside of the subsidized program, making the FMR an important benchmark for landlords.
Moving to the stability axis, the percentage of renters in the area is relatively low at 6.9%, indicating that homeownership is more prevalent. This can affect the demand for rental properties, including those in the Section 8 program. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties are typically rented out, but the low renter percentage implies that finding tenants might require more effort. Additionally, the median income figure of $84,408 provides a baseline for the financial health of potential tenants, suggesting that while there is a need for affordable housing, the overall economic stability of the tenant pool is somewhat limited.
In summary, ZIP 04435 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone due to the higher FMR compared to market rent. However, the low percentage of renters and the relatively high median home value compared to income indicate that stability is not as robust as it could be. Landlords should expect moderate yields with the understanding that securing tenants might involve additional work and patience.
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.