Location: Washington County, ME | Metro: Washington County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,854 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,196 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,452 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,625 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 04630, the economics of Section 8 housing can be clarified by examining the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and comparing it to the local market rent. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,760. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this specific ZIP code. However, the local market rent, according to Census ACS data, averages $907 for a similar unit.
The voucher system works by covering the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent amount. Tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Once this amount is determined, the landlord receives the remaining balance up to the SAFMR limit. In addition to base rent, there are utility allowances that vary based on location and season but do not exceed the total rent amount. For ZIP 04630, these allowances are factored into the overall reimbursement, ensuring that the landlord does not receive more than the SAFMR cap.
To illustrate, if a tenant's 30% contribution is $500, the voucher program would cover the rest, up to the SAFMR limit of $1,760. Thus, the landlord would receive $1,260 from the voucher program plus any applicable utility allowance. It’s important to note that the reimbursement is calculated per unit, and the SAFMR is specifically tailored to the conditions of ZIP 04630, ensuring that it reflects the local rental market accurately.
Given the discrepancy between the SAFMR and the local market rent, landlords in ZIP 04630 typically see a surplus when renting to tenants with vouchers. With a local market rent of $907, and an SAFMR of $1,760, landlords can expect to receive closer to the SAFMR amount rather than the lower local market rent. This surplus can range significantly depending on the tenant's income, but generally, landlords will find themselves in a better financial position when renting to voucher holders compared to the average market rent.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 04630 should anticipate receiving a reimbursement that aligns closely with the SAFMR of $1,760 for a two-bedroom unit, which is notably higher than the average local market rent of $907. This setup ensures a financial advantage for landlords participating in the Section 8 program in this specific area.
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.