Location: Washington County, ME | Metro: Washington County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 04648, located within the Washington County, ME metro area, presents a unique profile when compared to other typical ZIP codes in the region. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,560 for fiscal year 2026, it stands above the average market rent of $1,081. This indicates that 04648 is likely a higher-cost sub-market within its broader metro context.
The median home value in 04648 is $180,102, which is indicative of an affordable housing market. However, this figure must be contextualized against the overall metro average to determine if it represents a value pocket or a premium sub-market. Given the relatively low market rent, it suggests that 04648 could be considered a mid-tier neighborhood, offering a balance between cost and value.
A notable aspect of 04648 is its 19.0% renter share. This percentage is significant, especially when considering the relationship between rental demand and home values. Typically, a high renter share can indicate strong demand for rental properties, which might benefit landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for stable income sources.
When evaluating ZIP code 04648's potential as a Section 8 sweet spot, the divergence between its FMR and market rent is critical. The FMR being higher than the market rent suggests that properties in this ZIP code could be attractive to tenants receiving Section 8 vouchers, who might find it easier to cover the difference between their voucher amount and the actual rent. This makes 04648 a potentially valuable area for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program.
In summary, ZIP code 04648 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Washington County, ME metro area, with a median home value of $180,102 and a market rent of $1,081. Its 19.0% renter share and the gap between its FMR and market rent make it a promising location for those interested in Section 8 properties, positioning it as a sweet spot within the metro for such investments.
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.