Location: Aroostook County, ME | Metro: Aroostook County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 04774 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Amount for Moderate Rehabilitation) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,440 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay to cover the rental subsidy. However, it's important to note that the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is significantly lower at $493 per month, according to the Census ACS data.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand that the voucher payment is not the only income received. Tenants contribute a portion of their income towards the rent, typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. This contribution is in addition to the SAFMR payment from the housing authority. Utility allowances are also factored into the total compensation, but these vary based on the tenant's needs and the local standards.
The actual reimbursement a landlord receives once the tenant's portion and utility allowances are included can be calculated as follows:
In ZIP 04774, landlords often find themselves with a surplus when comparing the SAFMR to the local market rent. Given the significant difference between the SAFMR ($1,440) and the average local market rent ($493), landlords can expect a substantial reimbursement gap in favor of the landlord. This means that the combination of the tenant's contribution and the housing authority's reimbursement will likely exceed the typical local rent price, resulting in extra income for the landlord.
To illustrate, if a tenant contributes $150 towards rent (based on an example adjusted income), the housing authority would cover the remainder up to the $1,440 SAFMR limit. This would mean the landlord could potentially receive much more than the local market rate of $493, leading to a surplus of approximately $897 per month for a two-bedroom unit. This surplus is before accounting for utility allowances, which further increase the total reimbursement above the local market rate.
Note that the SAFMR is set specifically for this ZIP code, reflecting local conditions and costs.
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.