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 | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,690 | $341,750 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 04974, located in Utah, suggests a balanced market with implications for both pricing power and rental income potential. The median home value stands at $312,332, indicating a stable housing market where property values have not seen significant fluctuations recently.
The lack of data on the percentage of listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) implies that there is neither an oversupply nor a shortage of homes. This balance supports the notion that sellers maintain reasonable pricing power, but it also means that buyers can be selective and negotiate effectively. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should expect steady, rather than explosive, growth in property values over the next 12-24 months.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1,290, compared to the current market rent of $1,105 based on Census ACS data. This indicates a potential upward trend in rental prices, which could benefit long-term investors. However, the gap between FMR and actual market rents signals that there may be some resistance to price increases, suggesting a gradual rise rather than a sudden spike.
For long-hold investors, the setup implies a realistic appreciation thesis grounded in modest growth expectations. The combination of a stable median home value and a projected increase in rental rates points towards a market that will likely see consistent gains, albeit at a measured pace. Investors should focus on maintaining properties to meet the increasing rental standards and consider diversifying their portfolios to include other assets or areas with higher growth potential.
In summary, the current data for ZIP 04974 suggests a market that is poised for steady appreciation and rental rate increases, without the volatility often associated with rapid changes in either sector. Landlords and investors can leverage this stability to make informed decisions and plan for sustainable returns.
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.