Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Orange County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,529 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,059 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,212 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 05077, located in Windsor County, Vermont, reveals several key points that are crucial for understanding the rental market dynamics. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,300 for the fiscal year 2026, which aligns closely with the market rent reported by the Census ACS at $1,298. This indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate without requiring significant concessions.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $339,919. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.4%, calculated by dividing the average monthly rent ($1,298) by the median home value ($339,919) and multiplying by 100. This low ratio suggests that rental income alone may not fully justify the purchase price of a property, implying that appreciation or other factors might be more important considerations for investors.
The data does not provide specific information regarding the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have undergone price reductions, but these metrics would be relevant for assessing the buy-versus-rent decision-making process for potential homeowners. In the absence of such data, it is reasonable to assume that the relatively stable rental market, closely matching the FMR, could indicate a similarly stable housing market.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 05077 appears to be stability. Given the close alignment between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, investors can expect consistent cash flow from voucher tenants. While the rent-to-price ratio is low, indicating that appreciation may be limited, the overall stability of the market provides a reliable investment opportunity for those seeking a predictable income stream.
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.