Location: Windham County, VT | Metro: Windham County, VT
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,888 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,235 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,970 | $369,317 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
334,448 represents the median home value in ZIP 05301, indicating a stable housing market where property investments can yield substantial returns. However, the 34.4% renter share suggests that a significant portion of the population prefers renting over buying, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to attract tenants. The $1,717 market rent (ZORI) is notably higher than the $1,440 Fair Market Rent (FMR), showing that landlords can charge above the FMR for competitive rental rates. This gap between ZORI and FMR also highlights the potential for premium pricing strategies in the local rental market.
With a median income of $65,910, residents in 05301 have sufficient disposable income to support higher rents, making it a favorable environment for landlords who want to maximize their rental yields. The 0.1% price-cut share reflects a robust market where properties rarely need to be discounted to sell, suggesting strong demand and stability in property values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on maintaining properties at or slightly above the ZORI level to capture the full market potential.
A key consideration for investors is the alignment of rental properties with Section 8 guidelines. Given the $1,440 FMR, landlords must ensure their rents comply with this figure to participate in the program. The disparity between the ZORI and FMR indicates that landlords might struggle to cover all costs at the FMR rate, but the high median income and low price-cut share suggest that the overall economic climate supports a healthy rental market outside of Section 8.
The verdict on Section 8 for ZIP 05301 is that while participation is possible, the financial benefits may be limited due to the significant gap between market rents and the FMR. Investors should carefully weigh the pros and cons before committing to Section 8.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.