Location: Washington County, ME | Metro: Washington County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 04691, located in Washington County, ME, reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,490, significantly higher than the average market rent of $600 as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
This substantial gap between the HUD FMR and the market rent indicates that voucher tenants can easily cashflow at the FMR rate. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should expect positive cashflow without the need for premium units. This is particularly beneficial given the median home value in the area stands at $234,359, which translates into a competitive rent-to-price ratio.
While the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts are not available, the strong disparity between HUD FMR and market rent suggests a robust demand for rental properties, which can mitigate risks associated with buying in a volatile market. The high FMR relative to market rents also implies that there is less pressure to reduce asking rents, enhancing the stability of rental income.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 04691 is cashflow, due to the generous HUD FMR rates compared to local market rents, ensuring a reliable source of income for Section 8 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.