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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,300 | $212,805 | 0.61% | D |
| 2BR | $1,640 | $273,434 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $2,270 | $312,219 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $2,430 | $365,275 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The dynamics of the ZIP code 04472, located in Orland, Maine, reveal a market in flux. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,750 set for fiscal year 2026, it's evident that there is an expectation for rental prices to rise. However, the current market rent stands at $1,155, according to the Census American Community Survey, suggesting a gap between anticipated values and current realities.
The median home value in Orland is $281,231. This figure indicates a relatively stable residential market, but without historical data, it's challenging to determine if this stability is due to a balanced supply and demand or if it masks underlying pressures.
A notable aspect of this market is the 12.0% renter share. This percentage is lower than many urban areas, which might imply less immediate housing pressure from renters. However, in the context of rural Maine, a significant portion of the population might be looking for affordable rental options, leading to potential long-term housing pressure. The low renter share could also suggest that homeownership is a prevalent choice, possibly due to the availability of affordable homes or a preference for owning property in a rural setting.
The absence of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) complicates the analysis of whether supply currently outpaces demand or vice versa. Typically, a high DOM would indicate a surplus of homes for sale, while a low DOM would suggest strong demand. Similarly, a high price-cut share would point towards a buyer's market, whereas a low share would indicate a seller's market. Given the lack of these metrics, we can't conclusively state the direction of the market, but the combination of the lower market rent and median home value suggests that the area may be attractive to both buyers and renters looking for affordability.
In summary, ZIP 04472 presents a market characterized by anticipated growth in rental prices, a stable median home value, and a relatively low renter share. These factors together suggest a balanced but evolving market, with potential for increased housing pressure as rental prices approach the FMR levels. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should monitor these trends closely to adapt their strategies accordingly.
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.