Location: Burlington-South Burlington, VT | Metro: Burlington-South Burlington, VT MSA
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 | $1,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,550 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,480 | $352,578 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 05440 in Windham County, Vermont, stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With only 1,832 residents, it has a rental rate of 7.1%, indicating that the majority of the population owns their homes. The median income in this area is relatively high at $76,429, which supports a median home value of $312,087. This suggests a community where homeownership is both affordable and desirable.
In terms of voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 05440 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,460. In comparison, the market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is slightly higher at $1,529. This indicates that while there is a gap between FMR and market rents, it is relatively narrow, making the area somewhat attractive for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. However, the low percentage of renters means that the demand for rental properties, even those accepting vouchers, is limited.
The data signature for ZIP 05440 reads as stable. The high median income and home values suggest a financially secure community, and the modest difference between FMR and market rents implies that the rental market is not experiencing significant volatility. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this ZIP code presents an environment where the financial risks associated with accepting Section 8 vouchers are balanced by the overall stability of the local economy.
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.