Location: Aroostook County, ME | Metro: Aroostook County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 04781, the economics of Section 8 housing can be explained using the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) figures provided. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2026 is set at $1,320. This is the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay to landlords participating in the Section 8 program for this specific ZIP code. However, it's important to note that the local market rent for a similar unit is significantly lower, at $932 according to the Census ACS.
The Section 8 voucher system works by covering the difference between what a low-income family can afford and the actual rent. Specifically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If the tenant's income is $2,000 per month, their monthly contribution would be $600. The housing authority then pays the landlord the remaining amount up to the SAFMR limit of $1,320. In this case, if the market rent is $932, the housing authority would pay the landlord $332 ($932 - $600), ensuring the total payment meets the market rent level.
Utility allowances also factor into the equation but are generally fixed and do not exceed the market rates. These allowances are designed to cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas, which are often included in the overall rent calculation. Landlords should be aware that these allowances are capped and do not provide additional revenue beyond the specified limits.
To summarize, in ZIP 04781, landlords participating in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment will receive a combination of the tenant's 30% income contribution and the housing authority's reimbursement. Given the SAFMR of $1,320 and the local market rent of $932, there is a potential surplus where the voucher covers more than the market rent. However, since the housing authority only pays up to the market rent, landlords in this scenario would not receive the full SAFMR amount. Instead, they would see a reimbursement that exactly matches the market rent of $932, with no gap or surplus in the payment.
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.