Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,374 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $992 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.42 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,374
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Maine
- Typical rent
- $992
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% less than in Maine
- Wage needed
- $26.42
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $54,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Maine
Only here
Renting in Kennebec County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Oxford County has the lowest typical rent ($836), 16% below the $992 in Kennebec County.
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 Kennebec 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 Kennebec County was $1,497 a month in September 2026: 5.5% 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 | $1,043 | $20.06 | $41,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,050 | $20.19 | $42,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,374 | $26.42 | $54,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,767 | $33.98 | $70,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,167 | $41.67 | $86,680 |
HUD area: Kennebec County, ME. 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 32 ZIP codes in Kennebec County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 04344 to $1,920 in 04349. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,374).
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)
| 04259 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,970 | $2,410 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04265 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,700 | $2,190 | $2,680 |
| 04284 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,140 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,960 | $2,290 |
| 04330 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,100 | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,750 | $2,130 |
| 04330 | Lincoln County, ME | $1,100 | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,750 | $2,130 |
| 04344 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 04345 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,060 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,980 | $2,390 |
| 04345 | Sagadahoc County, ME | $1,060 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,980 | $2,390 |
| 04346 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,840 | $2,260 |
| 04347 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 04349 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,460 | $1,470 | $1,920 | $2,470 | $3,030 |
| 04350 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,090 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,850 | $2,270 |
| 04351 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,720 | $2,110 |
| 04352 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 04355 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,050 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $2,180 |
| 04358 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,160 |
| 04358 | Waldo County, ME | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,160 |
| 04359 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,790 | $2,190 |
| 04360 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,710 | $2,080 |
| 04363 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,380 |
| 04363 | Lincoln County, ME | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,380 |
| 04364 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,840 | $2,260 |
| 04901 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,750 | $2,140 |
| 04910 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,430 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,420 | $2,970 |
| 04917 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 04918 | Kennebec County, ME | $980 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 04926 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,160 |
| 04927 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $2,350 |
| 04927 | Somerset County, ME | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $2,350 |
| 04963 | Kennebec County, ME | $990 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,990 |
| 04963 | Somerset County, ME | $990 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,990 |
| 04989 | Kennebec County, ME | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $1,860 | $2,290 |
- 04259 · Kennebec County, ME $1,530$1,970
- 04265 · Kennebec County, ME $1,700$2,190
- 04284 · Kennebec County, ME $1,530$1,960
- 04330 · Kennebec County, ME $1,350$1,750
- 04330 · Lincoln County, ME $1,350$1,750
- 04344 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04345 · Kennebec County, ME $1,420$1,980
- 04345 · Sagadahoc County, ME $1,420$1,980
- 04346 · Kennebec County, ME $1,430$1,840
- 04347 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04349 · Kennebec County, ME $1,920$2,470
- 04350 · Kennebec County, ME $1,440$1,850
- 04351 · Kennebec County, ME $1,340$1,720
- 04352 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04355 · Kennebec County, ME $1,380$1,780
- 04358 · Kennebec County, ME $1,370$1,760
- 04358 · Waldo County, ME $1,370$1,760
- 04359 · Kennebec County, ME $1,390$1,790
- 04360 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,710
- 04363 · Kennebec County, ME $1,510$1,940
- 04363 · Lincoln County, ME $1,510$1,940
- 04364 · Kennebec County, ME $1,430$1,840
- 04901 · Kennebec County, ME $1,360$1,750
- 04910 · Kennebec County, ME $1,880$2,420
- 04917 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04918 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04926 · Kennebec County, ME $1,370$1,760
- 04927 · Kennebec County, ME $1,490$1,920
- 04927 · Somerset County, ME $1,490$1,920
- 04963 · Kennebec County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04963 · Somerset County, ME $1,280$1,640
- 04989 · Kennebec County, ME $1,450$1,860
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 Kennebec County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,306 households rent in Kennebec County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Kennebec 49%
- Maine 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Kennebec County
HUD lists 37 properties with homes for low-income households in Kennebec 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)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 18
- public housing
- 1
1,955 homes in all; 1,869 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Elm Towers Public housing 60 Elm St, Waterville 04901 194 low-income homes · Run by Waterville Housing Authority · Average payment: $514 a month · Average wait: 27 months · (207) 873-2155
- Steele Development Tax credit (LIHTC) Multi Locations, Winslow 170 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 65 · 3 bd: 31 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, families
- Seton Village HUD-assisted 1 Carver St, Waterville 04901 140 low-income homes · For older adults
- Glenridge Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 54 Glenridge Dr, Augusta 120 homes, 117 low-income · 2 bd: 74 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2004 · For families
- ARCH Beta HUD-assisted 21 Gray Birch Dr, Augusta 04330 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 622-4908
- The Inn at City Hall and Kennebec Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Cony St, Augusta 101 homes, 96 low-income · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Greentree Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 45 New England Rd, Augusta 84 homes, 83 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, families
- Greentree Apartments HUD-assisted 45 New England Rd, Augusta 04330 83 low-income homes · For families
- Kennebec Plaza HUD-assisted 20 Willow St, Augusta 04330 67 low-income homes · For older adults
- Chateau Cushnoc HUD-assisted 36 Townsend St, Augusta 04330 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 623-1112
- Cotton Mill HUD-assisted 2 Academy St, Hallowell 04347 57 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 623-2591
- Glenridge Gardens HUD-assisted 54 Glenridge Dr, Augusta 04330 120 homes, 56 low-income · For families
- Cony Flat Iron Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Cony St, Augusta 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Hodgkins School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 17 Malta St, Augusta 47 low-income homes · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Margaret Chase Smith House HUD-assisted 7 Ridge Rd, Augusta 04330 45 homes, 44 low-income · For older adults · (207) 622-8870
- ST. Francis Apartments HUD-assisted 52 Elm St, Waterville 04901 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Orchard Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 25 Ridge Rd, Augusta 04330 36 low-income homes · For families
- Orchard Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Ridge Rd, Augusta 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Gilman School Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Gilman St, Waterville 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2011 · For families
- John Marvin Tower HUD-assisted 38 Townsend St, Augusta 04330 32 low-income homes · For older adults
- Inn at City Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Cony St, Augusta 31 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 21 · In service since 2001
- Roncalli Apartments HUD-assisted 144 State St, Augusta 04330 30 low-income homes · For older adults
- Central Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Beech St, Hallowell 29 low-income homes · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 21 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Durbin Apartments HUD-assisted 6 Kimball St, Waterville 04901 28 low-income homes · For older adults
- Merici Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Chase Ave, Waterville 28 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Cascades Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Powell Ave, Oakland 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Hillside Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) Hill ST, Oakland 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1996
- Water Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 98 Water St, Augusta 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Cabin in the Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Eagle Dr, Chelsea 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Pleasant Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 89 Pleasant St, Waterville 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- ST. Francis Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 52 Elm St, Waterville 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Kennebec Street Apartments HUD-assisted 12 Kennebec St, Waterville 04901 16 low-income homes · For families
- Summer Street Workforce Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 58 Summer St, Gardiner 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Elm Street Group Home HUD-assisted 14 Elm St, Augusta 04330 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Water Street Apartments HUD-assisted 98 Water St, Augusta 04330 18 homes, 6 low-income · (207) 712-6945
- MoCo Housing HUD-assisted 46 Middle St, Augusta 04330 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Maine State Housing Authority HUD-assisted 353 Water St, Augusta 04330
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 Kennebec County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Kennebec County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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)
-
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 | $20,200 | $33,600 | $53,750 |
| 2 people | $23,050 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,200 | $69,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,000 | $76,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,850 | $82,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,700 | $89,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,400 | $101,400 |
Area median income: $99,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kennebec County, ME. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $939 – $1,147
- 1 bedroom $945 – $1,155
- 2 bedrooms $1,237 – $1,511
- 3 bedrooms $1,590 – $1,944
- 4 bedrooms $1,950 – $2,384
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
- Maine State Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 4,604 vouchers (207) 626-4600 Maine State Housing Authority: directorsoffice2@mainehousing.org
- Waterville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 394 vouchers · 194 public housing units (207) 873-2155 Waterville Housing Authority: diane@watervillehousing.org
- Augusta Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 494 vouchers (207) 626-2357 Augusta Housing Authority: norman.maze@augustahousing.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 Kennebec County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kennebec County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
101 Water St, Waterville
- 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 Kennebec 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
$2,748
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,374
- Security deposit
- $1,374
- Total
- $2,748
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 Kennebec County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,043; 1 bedroom: $1,050; 2 bedrooms: $1,374; 3 bedrooms: $1,767; 4 bedrooms: $2,167. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Kennebec County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,374) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.42 an hour full time, or $54,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kennebec County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,000 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 Kennebec 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 $1,237 and $1,511 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kennebec County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 04344 to $1,920 in 04349. 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 Kennebec County?
HUD lists 37 properties with homes for low-income households in Kennebec 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 Kennebec County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kennebec County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Maine, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).