Location: Hancock County, ME | Metro: Hancock County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,146 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,596 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 04681, located in Hancock County, Maine, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for rental investment.
The rent math does not favorably align with the financial goals of landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,330, which is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $823 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to achieve rents that meet the FMR standard, potentially leading to lower profitability.
Regarding property acquisition, the median home value stands at $463,950. However, due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes experiencing price cuts, it is challenging to determine the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties at a reasonable cost. Without these figures, assessing the affordability of purchasing properties for rental purposes remains uncertain.
Tenant demand appears to be modest. With a total population of 840, only 22.9% of residents are renters. This relatively low renter share indicates that there might not be a robust demand for rental properties, which could affect occupancy rates and the overall viability of rental investments in this area.
Verdict: ZIP 04681 presents a challenging environment for rental investments. The disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests that achieving profitable rental income will be difficult. Additionally, the modest tenant demand and the incomplete data on property acquisition make this area less attractive for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for strong returns and ease of management.
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.