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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,110 | $147,138 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,510 | $182,043 | 0.83% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 04740, located in Easton, Maine, hinges on a careful analysis of its yield potential and stability. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 stands at $1,110. However, the actual market rent is significantly lower at $510. This suggests that while there is a higher potential rental income, it is unlikely to be realized at current market rates.
Additionally, the median home value of $159,962 indicates a relatively affordable housing market, which could attract first-time buyers and investors looking for low-cost entry points. Yet, this figure also reflects the limited upside in terms of property appreciation, given the modest starting point.
Moving to the stability axis, only 14.2% of residents are renters, which is a very low percentage compared to typical investment markets. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) suggests that either there is little turnover or that the data is not readily available, both of which can impact an investor's ability to sell properties quickly. Furthermore, the average income level of $53,309 is indicative of a less affluent area, which could affect the ability of residents to pay higher rents.
Based on these figures, ZIP 04740 does not fit neatly into a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market nor a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a market with moderate yield potential but low stability due to the small percentage of renters and the lower average income levels. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this suggests that while there might be opportunities for rental income, they should expect lower returns and consider the challenges of finding tenants willing to pay higher rents in a less dynamic rental market.
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.