Location: Hancock County, ME | Metro: Hancock County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,070 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 04634 on the axes of yield and stability reveals a unique market dynamic. On the yield axis, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,540. This figure is significantly higher than the local market rent of $868, indicating a strong potential for rental income above the standard market rate. The median home value of $277,277 provides a solid base for investment, suggesting that properties in this area can be leveraged effectively to generate above-average rental yields.
Moving to the stability axis, we find that only 20.1% of residents are renters, which is a relatively low percentage. This could indicate a less stable rental market due to a smaller pool of potential tenants. However, the median household income of $67,589 is substantial, potentially offsetting some of the risks associated with a lower percentage of renters. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess the speed at which properties are typically rented out, but the income figure suggests that tenants who do choose to rent are likely to be financially stable.
Based on these figures, ZIP 04634 does not fit neatly into either a high-yield/low-stability "flip-style" market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents an opportunity where landlords and small-portfolio investors can achieve a balance between yield and stability. The discrepancy between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the high median home value, points towards a market where strategic investments can yield above-average returns. However, the relatively low percentage of renters means that there might be a need for proactive tenant acquisition strategies to ensure consistent cash flow.
To summarize, while the potential for high rental yields exists due to the favorable FMR and median home value, the market's stability is somewhat compromised by the low percentage of renters. Nonetheless, the strong median income provides a degree of financial security for those who do rent, making this a moderate-risk, moderate-reward market that requires careful management to maximize returns.
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.