Location: Sagadahoc County, ME | Metro: Sagadahoc County, ME 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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,550 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,976 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,294 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,509 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,530 | $495,341 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 04579, located in Sagadahoc County, ME, falls within the HUD Metro FMR Area for the county. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1480. However, the market rent for this ZIP is currently not available, which means that the FMR might be the only benchmark for rental pricing in the area.
The median home value in ZIP 04579 is $416,785, indicating that it is on par with or slightly above the average home value in the county. The renter share stands at 4.5%, suggesting a relatively low percentage of residents who rent their homes compared to those who own them.
To determine if ZIP 04579 is a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within the Sagadahoc County, ME HUD Metro FMR Area, we must consider the context of the surrounding ZIP codes. Given the FMR of $1480, which is likely reflective of the HUD guidelines, and the median home value of $416,785, it suggests that the area is neither particularly cheap nor exorbitantly expensive. It's positioned as a mid-tier neighborhood where rental properties are priced according to HUD standards but do not necessarily indicate a significant discount or premium over market rates due to the lack of specific market rent data.
A notable divergence is the relatively high median home value without a corresponding high renter share. Typically, areas with higher home values have a larger proportion of renters, especially when there is a disparity between market rents and FMRs. This could imply that ZIP 04579 is a desirable location for homeownership rather than renting, which may limit its appeal specifically for Section 8 investments.
For landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 properties, ZIP 04579 may not present the most optimal opportunity due to its lower renter share. However, the alignment of FMRs with potential market rents makes it a stable investment choice, particularly for those looking to diversify their portfolio into owner-occupied properties within a moderate price range.
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.