Location: Somerset County, ME | Metro: Somerset County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 04958, located in Somerset County, Maine, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is based on the metro scope for fiscal year 2026, is set at $1,250. This figure stands in comparison to the actual market rent, which is reported at $946 according to Census ACS data.
Voucher tenants in this area will cashflow at the FMR rate. Given that the FMR is significantly higher than the current market rent, landlords can expect a positive cashflow when renting to Section 8 tenants. This is especially true for properties that are priced close to the market average, as they will receive the higher subsidy payment while their expenses remain lower.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $286,945. Using the HUD FMR of $1,250, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio. This ratio indicates that a property valued at the median would generate approximately 5.4% annual rental income relative to its value, assuming the property is rented at the FMR. This suggests a reasonable yield for investors, particularly those looking for stable cashflow opportunities.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, but these metrics typically do not have a significant impact on the rent-versus-buy dynamics in rural areas like ZIP 04958. The primary focus for investors should be on the robust cashflow potential provided by the disparity between the HUD FMR and the local market rent.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 04958 is cashflow, given the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, making it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking steady returns.
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.