Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Bennington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 05161, located in Windsor County, Vermont, represents an ideal diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The area's renter share stands at 8.8%, indicating a significant portion of residents rely on rental properties, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers. This characteristic makes the ZIP code suitable for landlords looking to stabilize their income streams through government-backed assistance programs.
The median income of $120,000 suggests that residents have a higher earning potential, which can be advantageous for landlords who might face challenges with tenant turnover or maintenance costs. Higher-income areas often attract more stable tenants, reducing the risk of non-payment or property damage.
Furthermore, the median home value of $536,079 provides insight into the overall economic health of the area. While this figure is relatively high, it does not necessarily impact the viability of Section 8 properties, as these tend to focus on rental units rather than home purchases. However, it does contribute to the ZIP code's appeal as a diversifier, given the mix of high-value homes and affordable rental options.
In terms of cash flow, ZIP 05161 offers a slight challenge. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,190, while the market rent is estimated at $1,375. This $185 spread indicates that landlords operating under Section 8 guidelines may experience a modest reduction in cash flow compared to market rates. However, this should be considered within the broader context of the ZIP code's advantages, such as tenant stability and the overall economic environment.
ZIP 05161 lacks significant indicators for appreciation plays, with N/A% price-cut share and N/A-day days on market (DOM), suggesting that investment here should not be driven primarily by the expectation of rapid property value growth. Instead, the focus should remain on the steady income and lower risk profile associated with a diversified approach to real estate investment.
To summarize, ZIP 05161 is best suited as a diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to its balanced tenant and income demographics, offering stability and a mix of property values that complement other investments in a landlord's portfolio.
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.