Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Windsor County, VT
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,645 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,199 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,359 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,180 | $523,362 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 05059 are straightforward and based on specific financial parameters. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,470. This figure is crucial because it directly influences the maximum amount a Section 8 housing voucher will cover.
When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. The remaining balance up to the SAFMR is covered by the government. For example, if a tenant's adjusted income is $1,000 per month, they would pay $300 toward rent. The voucher would then cover the difference between the tenant's payment and the SAFMR, which in this case would be $1,170.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances that vary by region. In ZIP 05059, these allowances are included in the SAFMR calculation, so landlords do not need to separately account for utilities when determining the total rental amount. However, it is important to note that the actual market rent for two-bedroom apartments in this area is currently not available, which can make it challenging to compare the SAFMR to local market conditions.
The reimbursement process for landlords involves submitting monthly rent receipts to the housing authority. The housing authority then processes these receipts and sends the reimbursement directly to the landlord. This ensures that landlords receive timely payments and reduces the risk of non-payment associated with traditional rental agreements.
Given the SAFMR of $1,470, landlords should expect to receive this amount as the maximum reimbursement for a two-bedroom apartment. If the local market rent is higher than the SAFMR, landlords will face a reimbursement gap, meaning they must either accept a lower rent or find non-voucher tenants willing to pay the higher market rate. Conversely, if the market rent is lower than the SAFMR, landlords might benefit from a surplus, where the government reimburses more than the tenant pays.
Without specific market rent data, it is difficult to quantify the exact reimbursement gap or surplus. However, landlords should be aware of the SAFMR and use it as a benchmark for setting their own rental rates, keeping in mind the potential impact of the voucher program on their overall revenue.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.