Location: Washington County, VT | Metro: Orange 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 | $1,170 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,290 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $280,729 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $2,110 | $316,201 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $2,220 | $356,980 | 0.62% | D |
| 5BR | $2,575 | $390,134 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
30.2% of residents in ZIP 05641, Barre, VT, are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing. This statistic aligns with the $1,400 Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, which is slightly higher than the actual $1,390 market rent (ZORI). The $307,361 median home value suggests that owning property in this area is relatively affordable compared to other regions in Vermont. However, the median income of $76,855 highlights that many households might struggle to afford homeownership, further emphasizing the importance of rental properties. The fact that the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A could indicate a steady demand for rental units without prolonged vacancies. Lastly, the 0.2% price-cut share implies that landlords rarely need to reduce their rents to attract tenants, suggesting a stable rental market. Given these factors, the verdict for Section 8 participation in Barre, VT, is positive, as the program can help stabilize the rental market and provide affordable housing options.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.