Location: Windham County, VT | Metro: Bennington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,028 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,391 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,662 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,845 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 05155 in Windham County, VT, reveals several key points that should inform investment decisions. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is applicable for the fiscal year 2026, stands at $1,320 for a metro scope. This figure represents the maximum amount that voucher holders can pay towards their rent under the Section 8 program.
However, the market rent data for ZIP 05155 is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the HUD FMR against the prevailing rental rates. In the absence of market rent data, we can infer that voucher tenants will likely cashflow at the FMR rate, but this is contingent upon the actual market conditions which are not fully quantified here.
To provide some context, the median home value in the area is $548,597. Using this, we can derive a rough rent-to-price ratio. Assuming a typical rental yield of 1%, the annual rent would be approximately $5,486, or about $457 per month. Given that the HUD FMR is set at $1,320, this suggests that the FMR is significantly higher than what might be expected based solely on home values. This could indicate that the housing market in Windham County leans more towards rentals, especially given the higher FMR compared to potential rental yields from homeownership.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this market are further complicated by the lack of specific data on the number of days a property spends on the market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts. These metrics are typically indicative of how challenging it is to sell properties and adjust prices in response to market demand. Without these figures, it's unclear how much the buy-versus-rent decision is influenced by the difficulty in selling homes or the need to lower asking prices.
The strongest angle for investors in this market remains cashflow. Despite the limitations in market rent data, the high FMR relative to median home values suggests that landlords can expect steady, government-backed income from Section 8 tenants. This provides a level of financial security and predictability that is particularly attractive in an uncertain economic environment.
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.