Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Penobscot County, Maine
Penobscot County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,496–$1,722 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,041 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.77–$33.12 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,496–$1,722
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- HUD sets it by area: from the lowest to the highest of the 2 areas in Penobscot County.
- Typical rent
- $1,041
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Maine
- Wage needed
- $28.77–$33.12
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $59,840–$68,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in Maine
Only here
Renting in Penobscot County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Washington County has the lowest typical rent ($783), 25% below the $1,041 in Penobscot 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 Penobscot 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)
HUD splits this county into 2 areas with different fair market rents: for 2 bedrooms they run from $1,496 to $1,722. The table is for Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live; below you see every area with its towns. Includes basic utilities.
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Penobscot County was $1,512 a month in September 2026: 4.4% 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 | $1,305 | $25.10 | $52,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,380 | $26.54 | $55,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,722 | $33.12 | $68,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,203 | $42.37 | $88,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,495 | $47.98 | $99,800 |
HUD area: Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Fair market rent by HUD area in Penobscot County
HUD splits this county into 2 areas, each with its own fair market rent. Find your town in its area's list; the housing agency tells you which one it uses for your voucher.
| HUD area | Studio | 1 bd | 2 bd | 3 bd | 4 bd | Hourly wage, 2 bd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 14 towns in this areaBangor city, Brewer city, Eddington town, Glenburn town, Hampden town, Hermon town, Holden town, Kenduskeag town, Milford town, Old Town city, Orono town, Orrington town, Penobscot Indian Island Reservation, Veazie town | $1,305 | $1,380 | $1,722 | $2,203 | $2,495 | $33.12 |
Penobscot County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area 53 towns in this areaAlton town, Argyle UT, Bradford town, Bradley town, Burlington town, Carmel town, Carroll plantation, Charleston town, Chester town, Clifton town, Corinna town, Corinth town, Dexter town, Dixmont town, Drew UT, East Central Penobscot UT, East Millinocket town, Edinburg town, Enfield town, Etna town, Exeter town, Garland town, Greenbush town, Howland town, Hudson town, Kingman UT, Lagrange town, Lakeville town, Lee town, Levant town, Lincoln town, Lowell town, Mattawamkeag town, Maxfield town, Medway town, Millinocket town, Mount Chase town, Newburgh town, Newport town, North Penobscot UT, Passadumkeag town, Patten town, Plymouth town, Prentiss UT, Seboeis plantation, Springfield town, Stacyville town, Stetson town, Twombly UT, Webster plantation, Whitney UT, Winn town, Woodville town | $1,042 | $1,144 | $1,496 | $2,039 | $2,096 | $28.77 |
HUD fair market rent by area and size, per month, Fiscal year 2027. The wage is what full-time work must pay to rent 2 bedrooms without spending more than 30% of income. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027 Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 54 ZIP codes in Penobscot County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 04417 to $2,350 in 04489.
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)
| 04401 | Bangor, ME | $1,330 | $1,400 | $1,750 | $2,240 | $2,540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04410 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $2,090 | $2,140 |
| 04411 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,260 | $1,380 | $1,810 | $2,470 | $2,540 |
| 04412 | Bangor, ME | $1,270 | $1,340 | $1,670 | $2,140 | $2,420 |
| 04417 | Penobscot County, ME | $890 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $1,810 |
| 04418 | Bangor, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04418 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04419 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,390 | $1,530 | $2,000 | $2,730 | $2,800 |
| 04422 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,430 | $1,570 | $2,050 | $2,790 | $2,870 |
| 04427 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $2,040 | $2,100 |
| 04428 | Bangor, ME | $1,320 | $1,420 | $1,830 | $2,430 | $2,600 |
| 04428 | Hancock County, ME | $1,320 | $1,420 | $1,830 | $2,430 | $2,600 |
| 04428 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,320 | $1,420 | $1,830 | $2,430 | $2,600 |
| 04430 | Penobscot County, ME | $890 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $1,810 |
| 04434 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,330 | $1,460 | $1,910 | $2,610 | $2,680 |
| 04435 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,450 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,830 | $2,910 |
| 04444 | Bangor, ME | $1,290 | $1,380 | $1,760 | $2,330 | $2,520 |
| 04444 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,290 | $1,380 | $1,760 | $2,330 | $2,520 |
| 04448 | Bangor, ME | $1,120 | $1,210 | $1,580 | $2,150 | $2,210 |
| 04448 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,120 | $1,210 | $1,580 | $2,150 | $2,210 |
| 04449 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,500 | $1,650 | $2,160 | $2,940 | $3,030 |
| 04450 | Bangor, ME | $1,260 | $1,330 | $1,660 | $2,120 | $2,410 |
| 04450 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,260 | $1,330 | $1,660 | $2,120 | $2,410 |
| 04453 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,020 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $2,000 | $2,060 |
| 04455 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,430 | $2,490 |
| 04456 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,460 | $1,600 | $2,090 | $2,850 | $2,930 |
| 04457 | Bangor, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04457 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04460 | Bangor, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04460 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,020 |
| 04461 | Bangor, ME | $1,170 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $1,970 | $2,230 |
| 04468 | Bangor, ME | $1,270 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,350 | $2,500 |
| 04468 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,270 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,350 | $2,500 |
| 04469 | Bangor, ME | $1,390 | $1,490 | $1,870 | $2,420 | $2,690 |
| 04473 | Bangor, ME | $1,450 | $1,540 | $1,920 | $2,460 | $2,780 |
| 04474 | Bangor, ME | $1,360 | $1,430 | $1,790 | $2,290 | $2,590 |
| 04475 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,030 | $1,130 | $1,460 | $1,980 | $2,060 |
| 04487 | Aroostook County, ME | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,430 | $2,490 |
| 04487 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,430 | $2,490 |
| 04488 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,730 | $2,360 | $2,420 |
| 04489 | Bangor, ME | $1,780 | $1,880 | $2,350 | $3,010 | $3,400 |
| 04493 | Penobscot County, ME | $890 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,740 | $1,810 |
| 04495 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,430 | $2,490 |
| 04765 | Penobscot County, ME | $890 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $1,810 |
| 04777 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,430 | $2,490 |
| 04928 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,280 | $1,410 | $1,840 | $2,510 | $2,580 |
| 04930 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,120 |
| 04930 | Piscataquis County, ME | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,120 |
| 04930 | Somerset County, ME | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,120 |
| 04932 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,480 | $1,630 | $2,130 | $2,900 | $2,980 |
| 04932 | Waldo County, ME | $1,480 | $1,630 | $2,130 | $2,900 | $2,980 |
| 04939 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,140 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $2,240 | $2,300 |
| 04953 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $2,030 | $2,090 |
| 04969 | Penobscot County, ME | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,600 | $2,150 | $2,260 |
- 04401 · Bangor, ME $1,750$2,240
- 04410 · Penobscot County, ME $1,530$2,090
- 04411 · Penobscot County, ME $1,810$2,470
- 04412 · Bangor, ME $1,670$2,140
- 04417 · Penobscot County, ME $1,260$1,690
- 04418 · Bangor, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04418 · Penobscot County, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04419 · Penobscot County, ME $2,000$2,730
- 04422 · Penobscot County, ME $2,050$2,790
- 04427 · Penobscot County, ME $1,500$2,040
- 04428 · Bangor, ME $1,830$2,430
- 04428 · Hancock County, ME $1,830$2,430
- 04428 · Penobscot County, ME $1,830$2,430
- 04430 · Penobscot County, ME $1,260$1,620
- 04434 · Penobscot County, ME $1,910$2,610
- 04435 · Penobscot County, ME $2,080$2,830
- 04444 · Bangor, ME $1,760$2,330
- 04444 · Penobscot County, ME $1,760$2,330
- 04448 · Bangor, ME $1,580$2,150
- 04448 · Penobscot County, ME $1,580$2,150
- 04449 · Penobscot County, ME $2,160$2,940
- 04450 · Bangor, ME $1,660$2,120
- 04450 · Penobscot County, ME $1,660$2,120
- 04453 · Penobscot County, ME $1,470$2,000
- 04455 · Penobscot County, ME $1,780$2,430
- 04456 · Penobscot County, ME $2,090$2,850
- 04457 · Bangor, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04457 · Penobscot County, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04460 · Bangor, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04460 · Penobscot County, ME $1,500$1,920
- 04461 · Bangor, ME $1,540$1,970
- 04468 · Bangor, ME $1,760$2,350
- 04468 · Penobscot County, ME $1,760$2,350
- 04469 · Bangor, ME $1,870$2,420
- 04473 · Bangor, ME $1,920$2,460
- 04474 · Bangor, ME $1,790$2,290
- 04475 · Penobscot County, ME $1,460$1,980
- 04487 · Aroostook County, ME $1,780$2,430
- 04487 · Penobscot County, ME $1,780$2,430
- 04488 · Penobscot County, ME $1,730$2,360
- 04489 · Bangor, ME $2,350$3,010
- 04493 · Penobscot County, ME $1,280$1,740
- 04495 · Penobscot County, ME $1,780$2,430
- 04765 · Penobscot County, ME $1,260$1,620
- 04777 · Penobscot County, ME $1,780$2,430
- 04928 · Penobscot County, ME $1,840$2,510
- 04930 · Penobscot County, ME $1,520$2,060
- 04930 · Piscataquis County, ME $1,520$2,060
- 04930 · Somerset County, ME $1,520$2,060
- 04932 · Penobscot County, ME $2,130$2,900
- 04932 · Waldo County, ME $2,130$2,900
- 04939 · Penobscot County, ME $1,640$2,240
- 04953 · Penobscot County, ME $1,490$2,030
- 04969 · Penobscot County, ME $1,600$2,150
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 Penobscot 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.
19,211 households rent in Penobscot County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Penobscot 50%
- Maine 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Penobscot County
HUD lists 67 properties with homes for low-income households in Penobscot 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)
- 27
- HUD-assisted
- 36
- public housing
- 4
2,855 homes in all; 2,495 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Capehart Public housing 1160 Ohio St, Bangor 04401 517 homes, 513 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Bangor · Average payment: $540 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (207) 942-6365
- The Heritage Public housing 10 Colonial Cir, Brewer 04412 154 low-income homes · Run by Brewer Housing Authority · Average payment: $622 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (207) 989-7890
- Bangor House HUD-assisted 174 Main St, Bangor 04401 120 low-income homes · For older adults
- Marsh Island Apts Public housing 345 Main St, Old Town 04468 87 homes, 86 low-income · Run by Old Town Housing Authority · Average payment: $606 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (207) 827-6151
- Bradford Commons HUD-assisted 201 Husson Ave, Bangor 04401 194 homes, 80 low-income · For older adults
- Penobscot River House HUD-assisted 449 Main St, Old Town 04468 80 low-income homes · For older adults
- Miller Square on Harlow Tax credit (LIHTC) 323 Harlow St, Bangor 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Nason Park Manor Public housing 140 Hancock St, Bangor 04401 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority City of Bangor · Average payment: $428 a month · (207) 942-6365
- Northwood Apartments HUD-assisted 42 Husson Ave, Bangor 04401 50 low-income homes · For older adults
- Village Centre Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 266 Center St, Brewer 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Penobscot Terrace HUD-assisted 352 Main St, Old Town 04468 41 low-income homes · For older adults
- Kenduskeag Terrace HUD-assisted 117 Court St, Bangor 04401 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Sunset Meadows HUD-assisted 80 Sunset Ave, Bangor 04401 40 low-income homes · For families
- Freese Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 74 Main St, Bangor 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 2000 · For older adults, families
- Stephen B. Mooers Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 485 Grandview Ave, Bangor 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Housing Foundation II HUD-assisted 37 Boulder Dr, Orono 04473 116 homes, 35 low-income · For families
- Miller Square on Harlow HUD-assisted 315 Harlow St, Bangor 04401 55 homes, 35 low-income · For older adults
- Bangor Waterworks Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Waterworks Rd, Bangor 35 low-income homes · Studio: 35 · In service since 2007 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Freese Building Tax credit (LIHTC) 28 Merchants Plz, Bangor 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1997
- Housing Foundation I HUD-assisted 1 Talmar Woods, Orono 04473 80 homes, 32 low-income · For families
- Chamberlain Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 258 Chamberlain St, Brewer 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 73 Harlow St, Bangor 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Hasbrouck Court HUD-assisted Pine ST 321-333, Orono 04473 30 low-income homes · For older adults
- Lincoln Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Abbott St, Old Town 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Lincoln Green HUD-assisted 65 Shelter Ln, Old Town 04468 30 low-income homes · For families
- Roe Village HUD-assisted 113 Western Ave, Hampden 04444 30 low-income homes · For older adults
- Maine Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 288 Union St, Bangor 28 low-income homes · Studio: 16 · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Northside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Griffin Rd, Bangor 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Somerset Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Somerset St, Brewer 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Edward Ernst Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 686 Broadway, Bangor 27 low-income homes · Studio: 21 · 1 bd: 6 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Newport Inn HUD-assisted 130 Main St, Newport 04953 26 low-income homes · For older adults
- Ellen Leach Memorial Home Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Taylor Dr, Brewer 30 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2002
- Crestwood Place HUD-assisted 812 Ohio St, Bangor 04401 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Lakeview Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 22 Main St, Lincoln 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- One Flagg Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Flagg St, Veazie 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Penobscot Elder Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 29 Nohkomess St, Indian Island 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Sebasticook River Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 263 Elm St, Newport 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Town Hall Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5753 Bennoch Rd, Lagrange 24 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1993
- Edward Ernst Manor HUD-assisted 686 Broadway, Bangor 04401 27 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults
- Maine Avenue Manor HUD-assisted 110 Maine Ave, Millinocket 04462 22 low-income homes · For older adults
- Chaia Apartments HUD-assisted 44 Main St, Dexter 04930 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Corundel Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 Hill St, Corinna 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Graham School Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Flagg St, Veazie 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Persistence HUD-assisted Route 69, Newburgh 04444 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Stearns Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Katahdin Ave, Millinocket 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- ST. Xaviers Home HUD-assisted 119 Somerset St, Bangor 04401 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 942-2108
- Mountain View Apartments HUD-assisted 16 Walnut St, Millinocket 04462 17 low-income homes · For families
- Fryeburg & Bethel Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 74 Main St, Bangor 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Lincoln Manor HUD-assisted 39 High St, Lincoln 04457 16 low-income homes · For older adults
- Lincoln Manor West HUD-assisted 44 Perry St, Lincoln 04457 16 low-income homes · For older adults
- Oak Apartments HUD-assisted Buck St, Howland 04448 16 low-income homes · For older adults
- Observatory Apartments HUD-assisted 8 Charleston Rd, Charleston 04422 16 low-income homes · For older adults
- Penquis Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 169 Griffin Rd, Bangor 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Hale Street Apartments HUD-assisted 46 Hale St, Lincoln 04457 14 low-income homes · For families
- Bickmore Manor HUD-assisted 336 Main St, Old Town 04468 13 low-income homes · For older adults
- The Schoolhouse HUD-assisted 183 Harlow St, Bangor 04401 66 homes, 12 low-income · (207) 307-7087
- Buck Apartments HUD-assisted 1 Pine Ln, Howland 04448 12 low-income homes · For families
- MHCPV Housing HUD-assisted 159 Husson Ave, Bangor 04401 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Stearns Congregate Tax credit (LIHTC) 275 Katahdin Ave, Millinocket 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Hathaway Apartments HUD-assisted 11 Dearborn St, Patten 04765 11 low-income homes · For older adults · (207) 532-3037
- Riverview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 River Rd, Howland 9 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 1990
- Dirigo School HUD-assisted 125 S Main St, Brewer 04412 10 homes, 8 low-income · For older adults
- Meadowview HUD-assisted 90 Park St, Orono 04473 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Dow Apartments HUD-assisted 16 Chapman St, Old Town 04468 8 low-income homes · For families
- Three Hudson Street HUD-assisted 3 Hudson St, Bangor 04401 6 low-income homes · For older adults
- Pembroke Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Pembroke Dr, Old Town 24 homes
- Shepherd Drive Group Home HUD-assisted 45 Shepherd Dr, Bangor 04401
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 Penobscot 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 Penobscot 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 | $22,400 | $37,300 | $59,650 |
| 2 people | $25,600 | $42,600 | $68,200 |
| 3 people | $28,800 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,550 | $92,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,050 | $105,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,300 | $112,500 |
Area median income: $106,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area. Where a single figure is needed, we use Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Income limits by HUD area in Penobscot County
HUD splits this county into 2 areas, each with its own limits. These are for 4 people; find your town in its area's list. The agency tells you which one is yours.
| HUD area | Median income | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangor, ME HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 14 towns in this areaBangor city, Brewer city, Eddington town, Glenburn town, Hampden town, Hermon town, Holden town, Kenduskeag town, Milford town, Old Town city, Orono town, Orrington town, Penobscot Indian Island Reservation, Veazie town | $106,500 | $33,000 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
Penobscot County, ME (part) HUD Metro FMR Area 53 towns in this areaAlton town, Argyle UT, Bradford town, Bradley town, Burlington town, Carmel town, Carroll plantation, Charleston town, Chester town, Clifton town, Corinna town, Corinth town, Dexter town, Dixmont town, Drew UT, East Central Penobscot UT, East Millinocket town, Edinburg town, Enfield town, Etna town, Exeter town, Garland town, Greenbush town, Howland town, Hudson town, Kingman UT, Lagrange town, Lakeville town, Lee town, Levant town, Lincoln town, Lowell town, Mattawamkeag town, Maxfield town, Medway town, Millinocket town, Mount Chase town, Newburgh town, Newport town, North Penobscot UT, Passadumkeag town, Patten town, Plymouth town, Prentiss UT, Seboeis plantation, Springfield town, Stacyville town, Stetson town, Twombly UT, Webster plantation, Whitney UT, Winn town, Woodville town | $79,000 | $33,000 | $45,950 | $73,500 |
HUD income limits by area for 4 people, per year, Fiscal year 2026. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026 Source: Income Limits (HUD) Fiscal year 2026 Income Limits (HUD) (external site)
HUD sets fair market rents by area inside this county, so the 90% to 110% range depends on your area. Your agency publishes its payment standard.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority City of Bangor Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 459 vouchers · 563 public housing units (207) 942-6365 Housing Authority City of Bangor: mmyatt@bangorhousing.org
- Old Town Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 213 vouchers · 87 public housing units (207) 827-6151 Old Town Housing Authority: hacot@oldtownhousing.net
- Brewer Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 136 vouchers · 154 public housing units (207) 989-7890 Brewer Housing Authority: cperkins@brewerhousing.com
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 Penobscot County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Penobscot County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Four Directions Development Corporation
20 Godfrey Dr, Orono
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
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Penquis Community Action Program
262 Harlow St, Bangor
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Penobscot 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
$3,444
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,722
- Security deposit
- $1,722
- Total
- $3,444
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 Penobscot County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,042–$1,305; 1 bedroom: $1,144–$1,380; 2 bedrooms: $1,496–$1,722; 3 bedrooms: $2,039–$2,203; 4 bedrooms: $2,096–$2,495. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Penobscot County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,496–$1,722) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.77–$33.12 an hour full time, or $59,840–$68,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Penobscot County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,950–$53,250 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Penobscot County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 04417 to $2,350 in 04489. 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 Penobscot County?
HUD lists 67 properties with homes for low-income households in Penobscot 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 Penobscot County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Penobscot County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Maine, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).