Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Androscoggin County, Maine
Androscoggin County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,677 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,010 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,677
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in Maine
- Typical rent
- $1,010
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% less than in Maine
- Wage needed
- $32.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $67,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Maine
Only here
Renting in Androscoggin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Androscoggin County has the lowest homeownership rate of the 16 counties in Maine: 68%.
-
Nearby, in Oxford County, the typical rent is $836: 17% less than in Androscoggin County ($1,010).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Androscoggin County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Androscoggin County was $1,589 a month in September 2026: 3.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,210 | $23.27 | $48,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,282 | $24.65 | $51,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,677 | $32.25 | $67,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,119 | $40.75 | $84,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,459 | $47.29 | $98,360 |
HUD area: Lewiston-Auburn, ME MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 20 ZIP codes in Androscoggin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,430 in 04254 to $1,970 in 04252. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,677).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 04210 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,120 | $2,460 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04222 | Cumberland County, ME | $1,400 | $1,480 | $1,900 | $2,400 | $2,870 |
| 04222 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,400 | $1,480 | $1,900 | $2,400 | $2,870 |
| 04236 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,280 | $1,350 | $1,770 | $2,240 | $2,590 |
| 04240 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,190 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $2,080 | $2,420 |
| 04250 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,260 | $1,330 | $1,740 | $2,200 | $2,550 |
| 04252 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,970 | $2,490 | $2,890 |
| 04252 | Sagadahoc County, ME | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,970 | $2,490 | $2,890 |
| 04253 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,060 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,910 | $2,230 |
| 04254 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,030 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,850 | $2,080 |
| 04254 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,030 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,850 | $2,080 |
| 04256 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,340 | $1,420 | $1,860 | $2,350 | $2,730 |
| 04258 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,260 | $1,340 | $1,750 | $2,220 | $2,580 |
| 04258 | Oxford County, ME | $1,260 | $1,340 | $1,750 | $2,220 | $2,580 |
| 04263 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,120 | $2,460 |
| 04274 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,340 | $2,650 |
| 04274 | Portland, ME | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,340 | $2,650 |
| 04280 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,180 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $2,070 | $2,400 |
| 04280 | Sagadahoc County, ME | $1,180 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $2,070 | $2,400 |
| 04282 | Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $1,260 | $1,340 | $1,750 | $2,210 | $2,570 |
- 04210 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,680$2,120
- 04222 · Cumberland County, ME $1,900$2,400
- 04222 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,900$2,400
- 04236 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,770$2,240
- 04240 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,650$2,080
- 04250 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,740$2,200
- 04252 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,970$2,490
- 04252 · Sagadahoc County, ME $1,970$2,490
- 04253 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,480$1,910
- 04254 · Kennebec County, ME $1,430$1,850
- 04254 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,430$1,850
- 04256 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,860$2,350
- 04258 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,750$2,220
- 04258 · Oxford County, ME $1,750$2,220
- 04263 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,680$2,120
- 04274 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,920$2,340
- 04274 · Portland, ME $1,920$2,340
- 04280 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,640$2,070
- 04280 · Sagadahoc County, ME $1,640$2,070
- 04282 · Lewiston-Auburn, ME $1,750$2,210
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Androscoggin County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Maine, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,088 households rent in Androscoggin County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Androscoggin 51%
- Maine 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Androscoggin County
HUD lists 62 properties with homes for low-income households in Androscoggin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 25
- HUD-assisted
- 33
- public housing
- 4
3,281 homes in all; 3,071 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- River Valley Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 84 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston 296 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 147 · 3 bd: 148 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Hillview, R.a. & L.P. Public housing 198 Park St, Lewiston 04240 188 low-income homes · Run by Lewiston Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (207) 783-1423
- Lake Auburn Towne Hse Public housing 74 Lake Auburn Ave, Auburn 04210 191 homes, 177 low-income · Run by Auburn Housing Authority · Average payment: $617 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (207) 784-7351
- Meadowview Park Public housing 23 Spofford St, Lewiston 04240 153 homes, 152 low-income · Run by Lewiston Housing Authority · (207) 783-1423
- Barker Mill Arms HUD-assisted 143 Mill St, Auburn 04210 117 homes, 111 low-income · For older adults
- Auburn Esplanade HUD-assisted 20 Great Falls Plz, Auburn 04210 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults
- Pleasant View Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Fairmount St, Lewiston 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Pleasant View Acres HUD-assisted 50 Fairmount St, Lewiston 04240 100 low-income homes · For families
- Blake Street Towers Public housing 70 Blake St, Lewiston 04240 107 homes, 97 low-income · Run by Lewiston Housing Authority · (207) 783-1423
- Centre Ville Commons HUD-assisted 1 Knox St, Lewiston 04240 96 low-income homes · For families
- Oak Park Apartments HUD-assisted 10 Oak St, Lewiston 04240 91 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 783-2019
- Roak Block HUD-assisted 156 Main St, Auburn 04210 74 low-income homes · For older adults
- Chestnut Place Tax credit (LIHTC) Park and Lisbon Streets, Lewiston 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Chestnut Place HUD-assisted 282 Lisbon St, Lewiston 04240 72 low-income homes · For families
- Androscoggin Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Northern Avenue Hts, Auburn 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 1996
- Pierce Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 238 Park St, Lewiston 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Pierce Place / St. Laurent HUD-assisted 110 Pierce St, Lewiston 04240 62 low-income homes · For families
- Androscoggin Village Apartments HUD-assisted 9 Northern Avenue Hts, Auburn 04210 70 homes, 55 low-income · For families
- Heritage Knoll Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 Upland Rd, Lisbon 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1993
- Woodgate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 49 Wing St, Lisbon Falls 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 1993
- Elevate Lewiston HUD-assisted 56 Birch St, Lewiston 04240 45 low-income homes · For older adults
- Heritage Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 71 Spring St, Auburn 43 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Heritage Court HUD-assisted 71 Spring St, Auburn 04210 43 low-income homes · For older adults
- 48 Hampshire Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 48 Hampshire St, Auburn 53 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Hartley Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 Lisbon St, Lewiston 63 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Livermore Falls Apartments HUD-assisted 166 Park St, Livermore Falls 04254 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Place Ste. Marie HUD-assisted 64 Oxford St, Lewiston 04240 40 low-income homes · For families · (747) 494-7572
- 477 Minot Avenue Tax credit (LIHTC) 477 Minot Ave, Auburn 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For families
- The Lofts at Bates Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 36 Chestnut St, Lewiston 48 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For people with disabilities, families
- Maple Knoll Apartments HUD-assisted 251 Blake St, Lewiston 04240 41 homes, 33 low-income · For families
- 62 Spring Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 62 Spring St, Auburn 41 homes, 32 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Healy Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 81 Ash St, Lewiston 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Bates Street Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Bates St, Lewiston 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Court Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 Court St, Auburn 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Webster School Tax credit (LIHTC) 95 Hampshire St, Auburn 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Frye School Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted 140 Ash St, Lewiston 04240 27 low-income homes · For older adults
- Gateway Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Lisbon St, Lewiston 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Gateway Apartments HUD-assisted 11 Lisbon St, Lewiston 04240 27 low-income homes · For older adults
- BATES TERRACE Apartments HUD-assisted 287 Bates St, Lewiston 04240 26 low-income homes · For families
- Livermore Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 Depot St, Livermore Falls 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2021 · For older adults
- Auburn Commons HUD-assisted 521 Turner St, Auburn 04210 24 low-income homes · For families
- Bucknam Oaks HUD-assisted 11 Bucknam St, Mechanic Falls 04256 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Elevate Livermore Falls HUD-assisted RR 1, Box 60-84, Livermore Falls 04254 24 low-income homes · For families
- Bartlett Court / Blake ST / Promenade HUD-assisted 232 Blake St, Lewiston 04240 22 low-income homes · For families
- Rivershore Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 282 Main St, Auburn 22 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Birch Hill Elderly Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 281 Bates St, Lewiston 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Elevate Lisbon HUD-assisted 9 Gartley St, Lisbon 04250 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 784-0446
- Spring Rock Park HUD-assisted 802 Church Hill Rd, Leeds 04263 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 946-7123
- Vincent Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Mill St, Auburn 17 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Maple Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 57 Maple St, Lewiston 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Pinecrest Tax credit (LIHTC) 39 Pinecrest Ave, Sabattus 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Pinecrest HUD-assisted 39 Pinecrest Ave, Sabattus 04280 16 low-income homes · For older adults
- Atkinson Apts/Mansfield Build Tax credit (LIHTC) 228 Lisbon St, Lewiston 32 homes, 15 low-income · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1990 · For families
- Mount David Housing HUD-assisted 73 Pine St, Lewiston 04240 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities
- JFM #2 HUD-assisted 1665 Main St, Lewiston 04240 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- JFM #3 HUD-assisted 73 Bailey Ave, Lewiston 04240 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- JFM #1 HUD-assisted 1092 Hotel Rd, Auburn 04210 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Washburn Apartments HUD-assisted 308 Bates St, Lewiston 04240 8 low-income homes · For families
- The Hartley Block HUD-assisted 155 Lisbon St, Lewiston 04240 58 homes, 5 low-income · (207) 560-2153
- Gauvreau Place HUD-assisted 82 Pine St, Lewiston 04240 30 homes, 5 low-income · (207) 553-7777
- JFM #4 HUD-assisted 79 Carrier Ct, Auburn 04210 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- JFM #5 HUD-assisted 40 Marshall St, Mechanic Falls 04256 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Androscoggin County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Androscoggin County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,750 | $32,850 | $52,600 |
| 2 people | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,250 | $67,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,950 | $75,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,750 | $81,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,500 | $87,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,200 | $93,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,000 | $99,150 |
Area median income: $96,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lewiston-Auburn, ME MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,089 – $1,331
- 1 bedroom $1,154 – $1,410
- 2 bedrooms $1,509 – $1,845
- 3 bedrooms $1,907 – $2,331
- 4 bedrooms $2,213 – $2,705
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Lewiston Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,592 vouchers · 437 public housing units (207) 783-1423 Lewiston Housing Authority: ckilmurry@lewistonhousing.org
- Auburn Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 595 vouchers · 177 public housing units (207) 784-7351 Auburn Housing Authority: mszydlowski@auburnhousing.org
Housing agencies in Maine Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Maine
What Maine law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- 14 M.R.S. §6032
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 45 or 75 days, depending on the case
- 14 M.R.S. §6015(1)-(2)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Androscoggin County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Concepts, Inc. Also DBA Homequestmaine
17 Market Sq, South Paris · 16 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL) and French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
Avesta Housing Development Corporation
307 Cumberland Ave, Portland · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
101 Water St, Waterville · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Androscoggin County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Maine, the average home bill was $134 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,354
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,677
- Security deposit
- $1,677
- Total
- $3,354
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Androscoggin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,210; 1 bedroom: $1,282; 2 bedrooms: $1,677; 3 bedrooms: $2,119; 4 bedrooms: $2,459. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Androscoggin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,677) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.25 an hour full time, or $67,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Androscoggin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,950 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Androscoggin County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,509 and $1,845 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Androscoggin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,430 in 04254 to $1,970 in 04252. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Androscoggin County?
HUD lists 62 properties with homes for low-income households in Androscoggin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Androscoggin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Androscoggin County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Maine, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).