Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Windsor County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,480 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,761 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,506 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 05055, located in Windsor County, Vermont, reveals a competitive but manageable landscape. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,390 for the fiscal year 2026, which is slightly below the Census ACS-reported market rent of $1,440. This indicates that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will experience marginal cash flow, as the difference between the HUD FMR and market rent is relatively small.
To understand the potential profitability further, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $775,064. Using this figure, we can calculate a rough rent-to-price ratio. Given that $1,390 is the average monthly rent, the annualized rent would be approximately $16,680. Thus, the rent-to-price ratio is about 2.15%. This ratio suggests that rental income alone might not cover all costs associated with owning a property at the median value, but it does provide a basis for assessing the overall financial health of the investment.
In terms of the dynamics between renting and buying, the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts are not applicable (N/A) for the given data. However, these metrics typically help investors gauge the local real estate market's liquidity and competitiveness. In ZIP 05055, the focus should remain on the stability and predictability of Section 8 rents, as they are federally regulated and less prone to market fluctuations.
The strongest angle for investors in this region is likely stability. With a consistent HUD FMR and a close alignment with market rents, landlords can expect steady, reliable income streams without the need for premium units to achieve positive cash flow. This makes ZIP 05055 an attractive option for those seeking low-risk, long-term investments in the rental 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.