Location: Knox County, ME | Metro: Knox County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 04563, located in Knox County, Maine, is a strong candidate for inclusion in a Section 8 portfolio strategy as a cash-flow anchor. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,840, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $1,553. This spread ensures that landlords can secure a consistent, above-market rental income from Section 8 tenants, thereby stabilizing their cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 04563 stands at $480,986, indicating a relatively stable housing market. While appreciation plays typically require a lower price-cut share and shorter days on market (DOM), these metrics are not applicable here due to the lack of recent sales data. Therefore, focusing on the cash-flow aspect makes the most sense for this ZIP code.
Additionally, ZIP 04563 offers a diversification benefit with a 15.3% renter share, suggesting that there is a moderate demand for rental properties. The median income of $83,500 implies that the population has a decent financial standing, which could contribute to a lower risk of default among non-Section 8 renters.
In summary, ZIP 04563 serves best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords can rely on the guaranteed rental income from Section 8 tenants, which exceeds the local market rate by $287 per month. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking stability and predictability in their investment returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.