Real Estate Investing in Penobscot, Maine (04476)

Hancock County • Population: 1,127 • Data updated: June 2026

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Should you buy in 04476 (Penobscot, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (45/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 36.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.

What’s happening in Penobscot, ME (04476)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

2.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $343,623
Avg Monthly Rent $1,368
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $53,224
% Renters 11.0%

Market Analysis: 04476 Penobscot

Not every below-median market is a bargain. Penobscot's 04476 ZIP records signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $344K pricing implies.

For an experienced owner, 04476 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $344K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.

In the broader ME picture, 04476 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

The demographic picture in 04476 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Penobscot averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Strategically, 04476 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.49% as of Jun 25 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Penobscot:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 53/100
Affordability
5/25
Appreciation
18/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 6.5× the median income
Value Trend
Stable (+0.1%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,368/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$357K$326K$294K$262K$231K$199KNov 2018Aug 2022May 2026

📊 How Does 04476 Compare?

Metric 04476 Penobscot Maine
Home Value $343,623 $171,812 $401,109
5-Year CAGR 4.8% 4.8% 8.6%
Avg Rent $1,368 $1,368 -
Cap Rate 3.1% 3.1% -
💡 Why Invest in 04476? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04476 (Penobscot, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.1%
Low
5yr Growth
+4.8%
Moderate

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $343,623
Monthly Rent $1,368
Price-to-Rent 20.9:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.8%
Cap Rate 3.1%
5-Year IRR 7.9%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +0.1% ▲
3-Year CAGR +1.2% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.8% ▲
10-Year CAGR N/A

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.5%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
36.5%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+4.8%
Stable
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Moderate

Demographics in 04476

Population: 1,127

💰 Median Household Income
$53,224
This area
$53,224
State
$66,371
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
11.0%
This area
11.0%
State
17.6%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.1%
This area
2.1%
State
-23.6%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
34.7%
This area
34.7%
State
3.6%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
52.9 years
This area
52.9 years
State
19.6 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
36.5%
This area
36.5%
State
32.3%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 94.5%
Other/Mixed 5.5%
Hispanic/Latino 3.9%
👶 Under 18
16.8%
This area
16.8%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
33.9%
This area
33.9%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
11.1%
This area
11.1%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 04476

A Avg School Grade
1 Schools
7.3:1 Avg Class Size
$20,956 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A Very Good

Penobscot Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
67 Students
👨‍🏫
7.3:1 Class Size
💰
$20,956 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

1 Nearby 15 Off-Campus Students
C+
Maine Maritime Academy
913 students · 7.6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penobscot, ME a good place for real estate investing?

Investors tracking Penobscot, ME will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $344K median home values and $1,368/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting stable returns.

What is the smart move for investors in Penobscot, ME?

For Penobscot, ME, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.

How strong are rents in Penobscot, ME?

Rental rates in Penobscot, ME average $1,368/mo. Tenant demand and $344K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.

How high is vacancy risk in Penobscot, ME?

Expect elevated vacancy in Penobscot, ME. Rents at $1,368/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.

Is house hacking profitable in Penobscot, ME?

Penobscot, ME is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $344K price point reasonable to enter.

See what 04476 really looks like for investors

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