Location: Waldo County, ME | Metro: Waldo County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,239 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,508 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,709 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,844 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 04986, located in Waldo County, ME metro, fits best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 is set at $1,420, which exceeds the current market rent of $1,288. This $132 spread ensures positive cash flow stability for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 04986 is $233,764, indicating that property values are relatively stable and not subject to rapid appreciation. Therefore, it does not serve as an ideal appreciation play, given the lack of significant growth potential in property values and rental rates. The price-cut share and days on market (DOM) figures are not available, but based on the current data, there's no indication of strong appreciation trends.
ZIP 04986 can also act as a diversifier due to the 16.4% renter share and a median income of $71,833. However, these factors are secondary to its role as a cash-flow anchor. The higher FMR compared to the market rent provides a reliable cushion against potential market fluctuations, making it a solid choice for investors seeking consistent returns rather than speculative gains.
In summary, ZIP 04986 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio. Its guaranteed rental income above the market rate ensures steady cash flow, which is crucial for maintaining financial stability in a diverse investment portfolio.
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.