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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,506 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,032 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,184 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,150 | $242,367 | 0.47% | F |
| 2BR | $1,460 | $315,518 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $378,247 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,160 | $445,561 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $2,506 | $537,826 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04605 in Ellsworth, ME presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as the market rent stands at $1,068, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,450 for FY 2026 in the metro area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might be more likely to leave once they find housing that better aligns with their financial expectations, leading to higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another issue, particularly due to the lack of data on the number of days on market (DOM). This absence indicates that there is uncertainty regarding how quickly properties can be filled, which poses a risk in terms of lost rental income during vacant periods. Furthermore, the typical home value of $338,665 and the median income of $77,377 highlight a potential gap between the cost of housing and residents' ability to pay, especially when considering the deferred maintenance costs that might arise.
However, these risks are tempered by the high renter share of 26.9%. A larger proportion of renters often translates into higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy and provide a steady stream of rental income. The presence of many renters also implies a robust market for rental properties, which can help mitigate the impact of vacancies and maintain a consistent level of demand.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 04605, Ellsworth, ME is moderate.
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.