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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,030 | $283,268 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 05654 is located in Graniteville, Vermont, which is part of Washington County. This rural Vermont neighborhood has a total population of 1,239, with only 11.4% of residents being renters. The median household income in the area is strong at $89,896, reflecting a relatively affluent community. The median home value stands at $271,189, indicating a stable housing market.
Moving into the economic analysis of renting, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,380. However, specific market rent data for ZIP 05654 is currently unavailable, suggesting that the local rental market may be less active compared to larger urban areas. The high median income and lower percentage of renters indicate that there may be limited demand for rental properties, particularly those supported by government subsidies like Section 8 vouchers.
Given the characteristics of ZIP 05654, it is more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low number of renters and the higher median income suggest that most residents can afford market-rate housing without assistance. For those who do qualify for Section 8 vouchers, the limited demand means that a hands-off approach, where the property owner relies on the federal program to cover rents, would likely be sufficient. A value-add strategy, which typically involves improving properties to increase their appeal and value, might not yield significant returns due to the small pool of potential tenants who require financial assistance.
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.