Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Orange County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,919 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,065 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 05061 reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Windsor County, VT metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,320. However, the market rent as reported by the Census ACS stands at $1,753. This indicates that the market rent exceeds the FMR by approximately $433 per month, suggesting that landlords can charge above the FMR and still remain competitive in the rental market.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 05061 is $367,443. Given that the data does not provide specific days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts, it's challenging to gauge the exact level of competition or the typical reduction in asking prices. However, the median home value provides a baseline for potential investment costs.
The third question concerns tenant demand. With a population of 1,788, and 20.2% of residents being renters, there is a notable but not overwhelming demand for rental properties. This means that while there is a steady stream of potential tenants, the pool is relatively small, which could affect vacancy rates and the speed at which properties are leased.
Verdict: In ZIP 05061, the rent math is favorable for landlords, allowing them to charge above the FMR. Acquisition costs are moderate, with the median home value indicating a reasonable entry point into the market. Tenant demand is present but limited due to the small population size. Landlords should be prepared for potentially longer lease-up periods and focus on maintaining high-quality properties to attract and retain tenants.
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.