Location: Oxford County, ME | Metro: Franklin County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,751 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,889 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 04964, located in the Oxford County, ME metro area, provides insights into its viability for Section 8 real-estate investment.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,100 for fiscal year 2026, is a key figure for determining the feasibility of rental income under the Section 8 program. However, the lack of available market rent data (N/A) makes it difficult to directly compare FMR to what tenants might typically pay. This absence of market rent figures suggests that landlords should rely heavily on the FMR to guide their pricing strategies, ensuring compliance with the program while also aiming to cover operational costs and desired profit margins.
Regarding the affordability of acquisition, the data reveals a median home value of N/A, indicating that there is insufficient information to evaluate the typical cost of properties in this ZIP code. Additionally, the average number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price reductions before sale (N/A%) are also unavailable. Without these critical metrics, landlords and investors cannot accurately assess the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties in this area, nor can they gauge the potential for negotiating better purchase terms.
Tenant demand is another crucial factor. With a total population of 108, and a renter share of 17.4%, the pool of potential Section 8 tenants is limited. This low population count combined with a relatively small percentage of renters means that competition for tenants could be fierce, and landlords must ensure that their properties meet all necessary criteria to attract and retain tenants eligible for the Section 8 program.
In conclusion, ZIP 04964 presents a challenging environment for Section 8 real-estate investment due to limited tenant demand and insufficient data regarding market rents and property acquisition costs. Landlords should proceed with caution, focusing on properties that can be rented at the $1,100 FMR while being aware of the competitive landscape and the potential difficulties in acquiring properties at affordable prices. The lack of comprehensive data underscores the importance of thorough local market research before making any investment decisions.
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.