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Zip Codes in Maine Where Section 8 Pays More Than Market Rent
5 of the 34 Maine ZIP codes with data show a FY2026 voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent, topping out at +7%. Market rents as of June 2026.
Maine premium ZIP codes, ranked
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 04240 | LewistonAndroscoggin County | $1,586 | $2,050 | $1,480 | +7% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 2 | 04769 | Presque IsleAroostook County | $1,224 | $1,672 | $1,150 | +6% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 3 | 04901 | WinslowKennebec County | $1,416 | $1,819 | $1,337 | +6% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 4 | 04210 | AuburnAndroscoggin County | $1,586 | $2,050 | $1,503 | +6% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 5 | 04073 | SanfordYork County | $1,716 | $2,298 | $1,681 | +2% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent to the ZIP's typical asking rent across all home sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
Closest to parity in Maine
These ZIPs sit just below the line. A payment standard above 100 percent of FMR, a utility allowance in your favor, or October's FMR update can push them into premium territory.
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 04412 | BrewerPenobscot County | $1,392 | $1,799 | $1,422 | -2% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 7 | 04345 | GardinerKennebec County | $1,416 | $1,819 | $1,507 | -6% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 8 | 04330 | AugustaKennebec County | $1,416 | $1,819 | $1,520 | -7% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 9 | 04083 | SpringvaleYork County | $1,716 | $2,298 | $1,895 | -9% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 10 | 04064 | Old Orchard BeachYork County | $1,716 | $2,298 | $1,915 | -10% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 11 | 04011 | BrunswickCumberland County | $1,833 | $2,380 | $2,109 | -13% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 12 | 04005 | BiddefordYork County | $1,716 | $2,298 | $1,982 | -13% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 13 | 04841 | RocklandKnox County | $1,526 | $1,928 | $1,775 | -14% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 14 | 04401 | BangorPenobscot County | $1,392 | $1,799 | $1,621 | -14% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 15 | 04473 | OronoPenobscot County | $1,392 | $1,799 | $1,625 | -14% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
How these numbers are calculated
- Voucher rent is the HUD FY2026 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) where it applies, otherwise the county or metro Fair Market Rent. This is the basis housing authorities use to set payment standards, typically 90 to 110 percent of it, and it is a gross rent that includes a utility allowance.
- Typical market rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the ZIP code as of June 2026, a smoothed measure of asking rents across all home types and sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
- Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent against that blended market figure, which is the conservative comparison. Premiums for 3 and 4 bedroom homes are often larger.
- The premium is a screening signal, not a guarantee. Housing authorities run a rent reasonableness review against unassisted comparables before approving any contract rent, and the payment standard is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Always verify with the local housing authority.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents and Zillow Research (ZORI). FMRs effective October 1 each year; ZORI updates monthly.
Frequently asked questions
- Which ZIP code in Maine has the biggest Section 8 premium?
- 04240 (Lewiston) currently shows the largest gap: the 2-bedroom voucher rent basis is $1,586 against a typical market rent of $1,480, a +7% premium.
- How many ZIP codes in Maine pay above market rent?
- Of the 34 Maine ZIP codes with both HUD and market rent data, 5 currently show a voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent.
- Can I actually charge the full amount shown here?
- Not automatically. The housing authority sets a payment standard between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR or SAFMR, and every lease passes a rent reasonableness review against comparable unassisted units. Treat the premium as a screening signal for where to look, then verify with the local housing authority.
More Maine resources
Run the full numbers on a voucher deal
The Section 8 Investment Analyzer compares a voucher tenancy against a market tenancy side by side, with vacancy, lease-up lag, and inspection costs factored in. Free to use.
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