Location: Kennebec County, ME | Metro: Kennebec 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,262 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,533 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,736 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,873 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,640 | $422,429 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 04917, located in Kennebec County, Maine, reveals several key points that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220. In contrast, the Census ACS data indicates a market rent of $857, which suggests that properties receiving Section 8 vouchers will generally cashflow at the FMR level, albeit marginally.
To further understand the investment potential, let's examine the rent-to-price ratio. With a median home value of $402,730, the ratio stands at approximately 2.5%, calculated by dividing the annual market rent ($10,284) by the median home value. This ratio provides insight into the relative affordability of renting versus buying in the area, favoring rental investments over homeownership.
The dynamics between rent and buy markets can be gauged through the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts. However, since these figures are not available for ZIP 04917, we cannot provide specific data on these metrics. Nonetheless, the significant gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent implies that voucher tenants will likely cover operating costs but may offer limited profit margins unless the unit is priced closer to the FMR or is a premium property.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is stability. Given the consistent demand for affordable housing and the predictable income stream from Section 8 vouchers, this area offers a reliable investment opportunity with steady cashflow, despite the marginal profitability.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.