Location: Knox County, ME | Metro: Knox County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 04645, located in Knox County, Maine, presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is set at $1,330 per month for the fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent of $967 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS).
This disparity means that voucher tenants can generate positive cash flow for landlords at the HUD FMR rate. The median home value in the area is not available, which complicates deriving a precise rent-to-price ratio. However, given the higher FMR compared to market rent, it suggests that rental properties could be more attractive investments relative to buying.
The median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced a price cut are also not available. These metrics would typically help gauge the local real estate market's health and the balance between renting and buying. Despite this lack of data, the comparison between HUD FMR and market rent clearly indicates that voucher holders can afford rents above the current market rate, making this a favorable environment for landlords.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cash flow. With voucher tenants paying more than the average market rent, landlords can expect steady, reliable income without the need to compete on price with other non-voucher rental properties.
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.