Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 04989 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 04989

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

A skeptical investor might raise several concerns about investing in ZIP 04989 (Vassalboro, ME). Here are some key objections and the data to address them:

• Will FMR $1,500 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $337,187 home? According to the latest data from Realtor.com, the median home value in ZIP 04989 is $341,258. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4%, the monthly payment for a $337,187 home would be approximately $1,620. While this is slightly above the FMR, it's important to note that the median rent in the area is higher, at $1,006, suggesting that the FMR may not accurately reflect the true rental potential of the area.
• Is there enough renter demand at 17.5%? The data indicates that the housing market in ZIP 04989 is quite competitive, scoring 83 out of 100. This suggests strong demand for both homeownership and rentals. However, the specific figure of 17.5% for renter demand isn't directly provided. The competition score implies that there is significant interest in the area, which could translate into a robust rental market.
• Will vouchers keep pace with $1,006 market rents? The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 04989 is expected to be $1,500 in metro FY 2026. Given that the current market rent is $1,006, there is potential for growth that could align with future FMR increases. However, the data does not provide specifics on voucher amounts or their rate of increase. It's prudent to monitor local housing authority announcements regarding voucher adjustments to ensure they keep up with rising rents.

The analysis above provides a snapshot of the investment landscape in ZIP 04989. While some concerns remain unaddressed due to limited data, the overall trend points towards a promising market for landlords and small-portfolio investors.

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.