Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Windham County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 05156, located in Windsor County, Vermont, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,250 per month for the fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent, which stands at $959 according to Census ACS data. This gap indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the FMR rate, making it an attractive option for property owners.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $247,399. By comparing the HUD FMR to the median home value, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.50%. This low ratio suggests that the rental market is relatively undervalued compared to the housing market, providing a strong case for rental investments over homeownership in this region.
The dynamics between renting and buying are also reflected in the local real estate market. With a median Days on Market (DOM) of N/A and a negligible 0.1% share of homes experiencing price cuts, the housing market shows signs of stability. However, given the disparity between market rents and the HUD FMR, it is evident that the rental market offers a more compelling opportunity for steady cashflow.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP code 05156 is the potential for significant positive cashflow from Section 8 tenants, due to the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This scenario allows landlords to benefit financially without needing to focus on premium units or market fluctuations.
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.