Location: Windham County, VT | Metro: Bennington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 05343, located in Windham County, VT metro, does not work favorably for landlords. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,450, while the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $861. This discrepancy means that landlords would struggle to cover their costs if they rely on market rents.
Acquisition in this area is somewhat affordable, with a median home value of $381,539. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the fact that only 0.1% of listings have experienced price cuts indicate that the market might be relatively stable, but it also suggests limited recent activity in property sales. This stability can be beneficial for long-term investment but may limit short-term opportunities for acquiring properties at lower prices.
Tenant demand in ZIP 05343 is low. With a total population of 955 and only 6.6% being renters, the pool of potential tenants is quite small. This low demand could lead to challenges in filling vacancies and maintaining occupancy rates.
In conclusion, ZIP 05343 presents a challenging environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The significant gap between the FMR and the market rent makes it difficult to achieve profitability. While the median home value indicates an affordable entry point, the limited tenant demand poses a risk. Landlords should carefully consider these factors before investing in this area, as the combination of low rents and low tenant demand may not support a sustainable rental business model.
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.