Location: Washington 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,146 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,596 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,850 | $222,406 | 0.83% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 04622, located within the Washington County, ME metro, presents an interesting profile when compared to typical ZIP codes in the area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 04622 is set at $1,090 for fiscal year 2026. This figure is notably higher than the average market rent of $428, indicating that government-assisted housing through programs like Section 8 can command significantly higher rents than what the private market offers.
The median home value in ZIP 04622 is $189,677. While this represents a substantial investment, it's important to note that it is lower than the typical home values seen in premium sub-markets within the county. This suggests that ZIP 04622 may be considered a mid-tier neighborhood in terms of property value, offering opportunities for both homeownership and rental investments without the premium price tag.
A key indicator of the potential attractiveness of ZIP 04622 to landlords and small-portfolio investors is its renter share, which stands at 27.3%. This percentage is relatively high, suggesting a strong demand for rental properties. The combination of a high renter share with below-metro home values often signals a sweet spot for Section 8 investments, as it indicates a robust need for affordable housing alongside reasonable property acquisition costs.
In summary, ZIP 04622 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Washington County, ME metro, characterized by its above-average FMR for Section 8 units, a lower-than-premium median home value, and a significant renter population. These factors make it an attractive area for investors looking to balance between investment cost and potential returns through government-subsidized rentals.
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.