Location: Washington County, ME | Metro: Washington 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 | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,981 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,606 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,786 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $202,388 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $229,404 | 0.98% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Perry, ME, zip code 04667, is a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 1,296. Only 19.4% of residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied environment. The median household income stands at $74,712, suggesting a middle-class area where residents have a stable financial footing. The median home value is $194,624, reflecting an affordable housing market compared to many other regions.
When it comes to rental economics, the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent is stark. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is set at $1,550. However, the Census ACS reports the average market rent in Perry, ME, to be just $271, a fraction of the FMR. This significant gap highlights a potential opportunity for Section 8 investors who can leverage the higher FMR to secure government-subsidized tenants while operating in a low-cost market.
The practical implications for investors are clear. A hands-off voucher operator might find limited appeal here due to the low number of renters and the relatively low market rents. On the other hand, a hands-on value-add buyer could see potential in improving properties to meet the standards required for Section 8 tenancy, thereby capturing a higher rent through the voucher program. Given the stable local economy and reasonable property values, such an approach could yield positive returns over time.
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.