Location: Washington County, VT | Metro: Washington County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,552 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,087 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,241 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 05678 stands at $148,205, which is significantly higher than the typical household income in many areas. Despite this, the lack of data on the local market rate suggests either limited availability or that the information is not widely publicized. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the metro area in FY 2026 is $1,390, which serves as a benchmark for voucher payments.
Given that 69.6% of the 228 residents are renters, there is a notable demand for rental housing. However, without the actual market rate, it's challenging to assess the exact affordability gap. If the market rate is higher than the FMR, the gap would indicate that many households might struggle to find affordable housing without assistance.
This scenario means that landlords face significant competition, especially if the market rate is substantially above the FMR. Landlords who accept vouchers will have access to a portion of the rental market that might otherwise be priced out. Those who do not accept vouchers could cater to the remaining cash-paying households, though the number of such households is likely to be smaller given the high percentage of renters.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: accepting vouchers can open up a larger pool of potential tenants, particularly in an area where a significant portion of the population relies on rental assistance. Conversely, focusing on cash-paying tenants requires a more selective approach, targeting those with higher incomes or those willing to pay above the FMR. Both strategies have their merits, and the choice depends on the landlord's goals and the specific dynamics of the local rental market.
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.