Location: Waldo County, ME | Metro: Penobscot County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,480 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,630 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,457 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,182 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,391 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 04932, located in Waldo County, ME metro, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The key metric supporting this classification is the spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 04932 is set at $1,280. This figure is lower than the current market rent of $1,348, indicating that landlords participating in the Section 8 program will see a slight decrease in rental income compared to the private market. However, the stability and reliability of Section 8 payments make this a valuable asset for maintaining consistent cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 04932 is $241,966, which is relatively low compared to other areas. This suggests that the cost of acquiring properties in this ZIP code is manageable, allowing for a reasonable return on investment when considering the FMR and market rent. With a renter share of 10.3%, the demand for rental properties is moderate, but the median income of $75,952 provides a stable economic foundation for tenants to meet their obligations.
The fact that there is no significant price-cut share or days on market (DOM) data indicates that the real estate market in ZIP 04932 is not particularly volatile. Landlords can expect steady, predictable performance from properties in this area without the risk of frequent price adjustments or long periods of vacancy. Given these factors, ZIP 04932 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio, ensuring a reliable source of income while minimizing the risks associated with market fluctuations.
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.