Location: Lincoln County, ME | Metro: Lincoln 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 | $1,550 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,051 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,690 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,875 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,760 | $349,333 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,440 | $402,473 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,630 | $519,688 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 04578, located in Wiscasset, ME, is situated within the broader Lincoln County, ME metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,780, while the actual market rent in ZIP 04578 is slightly lower at $1,480. This indicates that 04578 offers rental properties at a discount compared to the average in the county, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to attract tenants who might otherwise struggle with higher rents.
The median home value in ZIP 04578 stands at $396,652, which is a significant figure but not necessarily indicative of being a premium sub-market within the Lincoln County metro. Home values can vary widely depending on the property's age, size, and condition, so this figure alone doesn't provide enough context to make such a determination without additional comparative data from other ZIP codes in the same county.
A notable point is the 15.2% renter share in 04578. This percentage is relatively low compared to many urban areas where renter shares can exceed 50%. However, within the context of rural Maine, this could still represent a substantial number of potential Section 8 tenants. The combination of below-metro average market rents and a moderate renter share suggests that 04578 could be an attractive location for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, as it balances affordability with demand.
To definitively classify 04578 as a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, a direct comparison with other ZIP codes in Lincoln County would be necessary. However, based on the provided figures, it appears that 04578 leans towards being a value pocket within its metro due to its lower-than-average market rent and reasonable home values. Landlords should consider this ZIP code if they are seeking a balance between rental income and accessibility for tenants eligible for Section 8 assistance.
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.