Location: Orange County, VT | Metro: Orange County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 05043 in Orange County, Vermont, reveals several key points regarding its viability for Section 8 investments.
The first question concerns whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Orange County metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,410. In comparison, the current market rent, based on Census ACS data, is $1,064. This indicates that landlords can expect to receive a subsidy that significantly exceeds the average market rent, making the economics of renting out properties under Section 8 favorable.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 05043 stands at $432,028. With no available data on days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of how quickly homes sell or if they require price reductions. However, the median home value suggests that property acquisition in this area would be moderate compared to other parts of the country, offering a reasonable balance between investment cost and potential returns.
Lastly, the tenant demand is a critical factor. ZIP 05043 has a total population of 907, with 17.9% of the residents being renters. While the renter share is relatively low, the combination of a manageable population size and the higher FMR compared to market rent suggests a steady demand for subsidized housing options.
In conclusion, ZIP 05043 presents a viable opportunity for Section 8 investments due to the favorable rent math, where the FMR substantially surpasses the market rent. Although the median home value is moderate and there's limited data on acquisition speed and price adjustments, the presence of a steady demand for rental units, especially those eligible for subsidies, supports the notion that this area could be profitable for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter the Section 8 market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.