Location: Windham County, VT | Metro: Windham County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 05342, located within Windham County, VT, presents an interesting mix of characteristics that set it apart from other typical ZIP codes in the county. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,270 for the fiscal year 2026, this figure aligns closely with the broader metro area's expectations. However, the lack of available market rent data suggests that the rental market might be less active compared to other areas within the county.
The median home value in ZIP 05342 stands at $326,873. This is a significant indicator when assessing the overall housing market dynamics. Typically, ZIP codes with lower home values but higher renter shares can be considered value pockets, attracting renters due to relatively affordable living costs. Conversely, higher home values and lower renter shares often define premium sub-markets where homeownership is more prevalent.
In ZIP 05342, the renter share is 3.8%, which is notably low. This suggests that homeownership is the predominant form of housing tenure in this area. The combination of a defined FMR without corresponding market rent data and a low renter share implies that the rental market is either underdeveloped or that the rental prices are significantly influenced by factors other than market demand, such as government subsidies like Section 8.
Given the specific figures, ZIP 05342 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood rather than a value pocket or a premium sub-market. The home value is neither exceptionally low nor high, suggesting a balanced market. The FMR of $1,270 indicates that the rental prices, when available, are likely to be reasonable and competitive within the county.
The divergence in ZIP 05342 lies in its low renter share despite having a defined FMR. This could indicate that the area has a limited number of rental units, possibly due to a higher concentration of owner-occupied homes. Alternatively, it might suggest that the rental units that do exist are heavily subsidized, making them attractive to tenants who qualify for assistance programs like Section 8.
To conclude, while ZIP 05342 doesn't stand out as a particularly lucrative area for landlords looking to maximize rental income, it does offer a stable environment for small-portfolio investors interested in a balanced mix of rental and homeownership opportunities. The presence of a defined FMR without corresponding market rent data should prompt further investigation into the local rental market dynamics and the availability of subsidized housing options.
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.