Location: Waldo County, ME | Metro: Waldo 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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,806 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,780 | $344,965 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 04952, located within the Waldo County, ME metro area, presents an interesting mix of housing metrics that can be analyzed to determine its market position. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,460, which is notably higher than the average market rent of $1,037. This suggests that while government-assisted renters might have a higher budget, the general rental market is more affordable.
The median home value in ZIP 04952 stands at $310,736, which is relatively consistent with typical home values in the county. However, the renter share at 11.9% is slightly above average for the region, indicating a higher concentration of renters compared to homeowners. This combination of factors—higher FMR but lower market rent, along with a modestly elevated renter share—implies that ZIP 04952 could be a value pocket for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
A value pocket typically refers to areas where the cost of living is lower relative to the surrounding market, making it attractive for investment due to potentially higher returns on investment. In ZIP 04952, the discrepancy between the FMR and market rent could mean that properties here are more accessible to a broader range of renters, including those who receive government assistance. Additionally, the slightly elevated renter share without an accompanying spike in home values suggests that there may be less competition among homeowners, further enhancing the appeal for rental property investors.
To summarize, ZIP 04952 appears to be a value pocket within the Waldo County, ME metro area, offering landlords and small-portfolio investors a unique opportunity to capitalize on the differences between government-set rents and actual market conditions. The data points to a scenario where rental income could be more stable and competitive, given the higher FMR and the reasonable median home value.
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.