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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,760 | $147,194 | 1.2% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 04742, the economics of Section 8 housing can be analyzed using the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) which is specifically set for this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2026 is $1,430. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this area. However, the local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $945.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand how the total reimbursement is calculated. The voucher payment consists of the SAFMR minus the tenant's portion, which is typically 30% of their income. In addition to rent, there are utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally cover a reasonable estimate of utility costs for the tenant. For example, if a tenant's monthly income is $1,000, their portion would be $300 (30%), leaving the government to pay the remaining $1,130 towards the rent of $1,430. If the utility allowance is $100, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1,230.
The SAFMR being set at the ZIP level means it reflects the rental market conditions in ZIP 04724 more accurately than a broader metro or county-level rate would. Landlords should be aware that the reimbursement rates are not flexible; they cannot negotiate a higher rate than the SAFMR allows.
Given the local market rent of $945, a landlord accepting a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom unit would receive a reimbursement of $1,430 minus the tenant's 30% contribution. Assuming the tenant's portion remains at $300 and utility allowances are included, the landlord would still receive more than the market rent. In this scenario, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus would be $1,230 - $945 = $285 above the local market rent. This surplus provides landlords with a buffer that can help offset the administrative burdens associated with participating in the Section 8 program.
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.