Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Bennington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,310 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP 05148, which encompasses parts of Landgrove and Londonderry, Vermont, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. According to the data, the FMR for ZIP 05148 in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,490. However, the current market rent for the area is typically between $750 and $999 per month, based on recent listings for 2-bedroom properties.
This means that the FMR is $531 to $740 higher than the actual market rent. To put this into perspective, the FMR is approximately 70% to 98% above the current market rate. This gap indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can potentially receive a higher rental income compared to the open market, making it an attractive yield play for those willing to accept housing vouchers.
The attractiveness of the Section 8 program for landlords in ZIP 05148 is further emphasized by the low percentage of renters in the area, which stands at 5.4%. With a median home value of $444,328 and a median income of $105,795, the majority of residents are homeowners. Thus, the demand for affordable rental units is high relative to supply, and landlords who can offer units at the FMR level are likely to attract tenants who benefit from the housing voucher system.
In conclusion, the Section 8 program in ZIP 05148 presents a unique opportunity for landlords to generate higher yields than the current market rent allows. The discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rent makes this a particularly lucrative option for those interested in small-portfolio investments in the region.
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.