Location: Bennington County, VT | Metro: Bennington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,877 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,654 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 05260 presents a unique scenario for real-estate investment, particularly for those interested in Section 8 properties. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,420 for fiscal year 2026, it indicates that rental income in this area is relatively predictable and stable, given the government-set standard. However, the absence of market rent and home value data suggests that there might be limited private-sector competition, which could either mean less demand or simply an underdeveloped dataset for this region.
On the stability axis, the figures paint a picture of low volatility but also low demand. The 0.0% figure for renters implies that very few homes in this area are rented out, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied market. This could indicate a lack of rental demand, which would be a critical factor for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering this ZIP code. The N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) further supports the idea of a quiet market, where rental listings do not circulate long before being leased. Lastly, the average income of $83,083 provides insight into the economic health of the residents, indicating that while they may have the financial capacity to afford higher rents, the rental market itself is not robust.
Given these factors, ZIP 05260 does not fit neatly into a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it represents a niche market primarily driven by government-subsidized rental programs. The lack of market competition and the low percentage of renters suggest that the primary beneficiaries of rental income here will be those who can navigate the complexities of Section 8 housing. For investors looking for consistent cash flow, the FMR of $1,420 offers a reliable benchmark, but the limited number of potential tenants means that occupancy rates may be lower compared to more active rental markets.
In conclusion, ZIP 05260 leans towards a specialized market for Section 8 properties, offering moderate yield with a focus on stability over growth. The economic indicators point to a healthy resident base, but the rental market dynamics suggest a need for careful consideration of the investor's goals and capabilities in managing subsidized housing.
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.