Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Knox County, Maine
Knox County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,503 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,165 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,503
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in Maine
- Typical rent
- $1,165
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in Maine
- Wage needed
- $28.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $60,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in Maine
Only here
Renting in Knox County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Knox County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,165, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Sagadahoc County ($1,098).
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 Knox 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 Knox County was $1,943 a month in September 2026: 4.8% 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 | $1,101 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,236 | $23.77 | $49,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,503 | $28.90 | $60,120 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,968 | $37.85 | $78,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,975 | $37.98 | $79,000 |
HUD area: Knox 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 21 ZIP codes in Knox County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,380 in 04645 to $2,000 in 04860. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,503).
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)
| 04547 | Knox County, ME | $1,290 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $2,150 | $2,210 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04563 | Knox County, ME | $1,330 | $1,460 | $1,770 | $2,320 | $2,330 |
| 04574 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,220 | $1,440 | $1,840 | $2,190 |
| 04645 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,740 | $1,880 |
| 04841 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,880 |
| 04843 | Knox County, ME | $1,210 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $2,150 | $2,160 |
| 04847 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,950 | $1,960 |
| 04851 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,960 | $1,970 |
| 04853 | Knox County, ME | $1,330 | $1,570 | $1,910 | $2,500 | $2,510 |
| 04854 | Knox County, ME | $1,260 | $1,460 | $1,770 | $2,320 | $2,330 |
| 04855 | Knox County, ME | $1,530 | $1,610 | $1,970 | $2,580 | $2,610 |
| 04856 | Knox County, ME | $1,280 | $1,510 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $2,420 |
| 04858 | Knox County, ME | $1,440 | $1,590 | $1,930 | $2,530 | $2,540 |
| 04859 | Knox County, ME | $1,520 | $1,620 | $1,970 | $2,580 | $2,590 |
| 04860 | Knox County, ME | $1,560 | $1,640 | $2,000 | $2,620 | $2,660 |
| 04861 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,470 | $1,920 | $1,930 |
| 04862 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,770 | $1,880 |
| 04862 | Lincoln County, ME | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,770 | $1,880 |
| 04863 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,150 | $1,400 | $1,830 | $1,880 |
| 04864 | Knox County, ME | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,850 | $1,880 |
| 04864 | Lincoln County, ME | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,850 | $1,880 |
- 04547 · Knox County, ME $1,640$2,150
- 04563 · Knox County, ME $1,770$2,320
- 04574 · Knox County, ME $1,440$1,840
- 04645 · Knox County, ME $1,380$1,740
- 04841 · Knox County, ME $1,380$1,790
- 04843 · Knox County, ME $1,640$2,150
- 04847 · Knox County, ME $1,490$1,950
- 04851 · Knox County, ME $1,500$1,960
- 04853 · Knox County, ME $1,910$2,500
- 04854 · Knox County, ME $1,770$2,320
- 04855 · Knox County, ME $1,970$2,580
- 04856 · Knox County, ME $1,840$2,410
- 04858 · Knox County, ME $1,930$2,530
- 04859 · Knox County, ME $1,970$2,580
- 04860 · Knox County, ME $2,000$2,620
- 04861 · Knox County, ME $1,470$1,920
- 04862 · Knox County, ME $1,380$1,770
- 04862 · Lincoln County, ME $1,380$1,770
- 04863 · Knox County, ME $1,400$1,830
- 04864 · Knox County, ME $1,410$1,850
- 04864 · Lincoln County, ME $1,410$1,850
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 Knox County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,933 households rent in Knox County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Knox 50%
- Maine 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Knox County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 11
474 homes in all; 454 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Rankin Center HUD-assisted 1 Rankin St, Rockland 04841 50 low-income homes · For older adults
- Methodist Conference Home (MCH) HUD-assisted 39 Summer St, Rockland 04841 48 low-income homes · For older adults
- Stella Maris House HUD-assisted 148 Broadway, Rockland 04841 48 low-income homes · For older adults
- Rocky Coast House HUD-assisted 124 Booker St, Thomaston 04861 32 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults
- Coughlin Park HUD-assisted 205 Rankin St, Rockland 04841 30 low-income homes · For families
- Merry Gardens Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 87 John St, Camden 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 1997
- Knox Hotel Tax credit (LIHTC) 192 Main St, Thomaston 29 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Knox Hotel HUD-assisted 192 Main St, Thomaston 04861 29 low-income homes · For older adults
- Stevens Green Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Lovejoy St, Rockland 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2004 · For families
- William Wood Apartments HUD-assisted 231 Limerock St, Rockland 04841 26 low-income homes · For families
- Megunticook House Tax credit (LIHTC) 79 Union St, Camden 34 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2000
- Applewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 73 Pearl St, Camden 30 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Meadow View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Eliza Steele Dr, Rockland 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Knox Street Apartments HUD-assisted 12 Knox St, Rockland 04841 19 low-income homes · For families
- Harborside HUD-assisted 5 Main St, Vinalhaven 04863 10 low-income homes · For older adults
- Broadway North HUD-assisted 372 Broadway, Rockland 04841 8 low-income homes · For older adults
- Harbor Lights Housing HUD-assisted 26 N Main St, Rockland 04841 5 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 Knox County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Knox County; the state's agencies can help you. 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
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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)
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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)
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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
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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 | $20,650 | $34,450 | $55,100 |
| 2 people | $23,600 | $39,350 | $62,950 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,250 | $70,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,150 | $78,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,100 | $84,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,050 | $91,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,950 | $97,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,900 | $103,850 |
Area median income: $98,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Knox County, ME. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $991 – $1,211
- 1 bedroom $1,112 – $1,360
- 2 bedrooms $1,353 – $1,653
- 3 bedrooms $1,771 – $2,165
- 4 bedrooms $1,778 – $2,173
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Knox County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Knox County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Waldo Community Action Partners
9 Field St Ste 201, Belfast · 27 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
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Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
101 Water St, Waterville · 45 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 Knox 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
$3,006
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,503
- Security deposit
- $1,503
- Total
- $3,006
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 Knox County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,101; 1 bedroom: $1,236; 2 bedrooms: $1,503; 3 bedrooms: $1,968; 4 bedrooms: $1,975. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Knox County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,503) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.90 an hour full time, or $60,120 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Knox County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,150 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 Knox 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 $1,353 and $1,653 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Knox County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,380 in 04645 to $2,000 in 04860. 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 Knox County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Knox County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Knox County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Maine, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).