Location: Aroostook County, ME | Metro: Aroostook 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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,180 | $191,486 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,590 | $198,671 | 0.8% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 04739, Eagle Lake, ME, within the Aroostook County, ME metro area, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for Section 8 investments.
The first question concerns whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220. However, the actual market rent based on Census ACS data stands at $508. This significant gap indicates that landlords would need to rely heavily on Section 8 vouchers to bridge the difference between the actual rent charged and the FMR, which does not align well with the economic reality of the area.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 04739 is $177,813. While this figure suggests a relatively low barrier to entry for purchasing properties, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts implies that the local real estate market is either stable or lacks sufficient transaction volume to provide meaningful insights into typical selling conditions. This ambiguity should be considered when assessing the ease and cost of acquiring properties.
The third question addresses tenant demand. With a total population of 825, the renter share is 13.7%. This means there are approximately 113 potential renters in the area. Given the small number of tenants relative to the size of the population, it's important to note that the demand for rental properties is limited, which could affect the ability to consistently fill units with qualified Section 8 tenants.
Verdict: The ZIP code 04739 presents challenges for Section 8 investment due to the disparity between the FMR and market rent, suggesting a reliance on vouchers that may not cover the full rental amount. Additionally, while property acquisition appears affordable, the limited data on market dynamics and the relatively low tenant demand indicate that this area may not offer strong returns or stability for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The combination of these factors makes it a less attractive option for Section 8 real estate ventures.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.