Location: Washington County, VT | Metro: Washington 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 | $1,660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,642 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,405 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,625 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,830 | $271,431 | 0.67% | D |
| 2BR | $2,390 | $389,250 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $2,990 | $597,173 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $3,140 | $718,645 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $3,642 | $825,991 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 05673, located in Waitsfield, VT, is situated within the Washington County, VT metro area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this ZIP is $1,880, which is higher than the average market rent of $1,422. This indicates that while the government benchmark for rental affordability is set relatively high, actual rents in the area are lower, potentially making it an attractive location for both landlords and tenants.
The median home value in ZIP 05673 stands at $554,654, a figure that suggests a higher-end real estate market compared to the typical ZIP codes in Washington County. However, the 19.9% renter share is notably above the county average, which could imply a greater demand for rental properties. This combination of factors—higher FMR, lower market rent, and a significant renter population—may indicate that ZIP 05673 is a mid-tier neighborhood within its metro. It offers opportunities for landlords who can attract tenants willing to pay closer to the FMR, but also faces competition from areas offering similar amenities at lower costs.
A key point of interest is the divergence between the high renter share and the below-metro FMR. In other typical ZIP codes, the renter share might be lower due to higher overall housing costs. The higher-than-average renter share in ZIP 05673, despite its elevated home values, could signal a sweet spot for Section 8 housing. This is because the presence of a larger number of renters combined with the potential for rents to be negotiated closer to the FMR, without exceeding it, creates a scenario where landlords can receive stable rental income through the Section 8 program.
In conclusion, ZIP 05673 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Washington County, VT metro, characterized by its higher median home value and a substantial renter population. Landlords here can benefit from the dynamics of the local real estate market, particularly if they focus on Section 8 rentals, given the favorable conditions for such investments.
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.