Location: Franklin County, ME | Metro: Franklin County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 04936, located in Franklin County, ME metro, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,380 for fiscal year 2026, which is the benchmark for voucher tenants' rental payments.
However, the lack of specific market rent data for ZIP 04936 makes it challenging to directly compare the HUD FMR against local market rates. Based on the available HUD FMR, voucher tenants would likely cashflow in this area, but only with premium units that offer additional amenities or are in superior condition compared to average properties.
The median home value in ZIP 04936 is also not specified, preventing a direct calculation of the rent-to-price ratio. This ratio is crucial for understanding the broader economic landscape, including how property values compare to rental income. Without this figure, it's difficult to provide a precise rent-to-price ratio, but we can infer that in an area where rental prices are expected to be around the HUD FMR, the ratio might suggest a balanced market for both renting and buying.
The absence of data regarding the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts indicates that there isn't a significant fluctuation in the housing market that would impact rent-versus-buy dynamics. In the context of Section 8 investing, this suggests that the market is relatively stable, with fewer concerns about rapid price adjustments or prolonged periods of unsold inventory.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 04936 is stability. Given the limited volatility in the housing market and the consistent demand for affordable housing, investors can expect reliable, long-term returns through steady rental income without the need for frequent price renegotiations or unit turnovers.
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.