Location: Addison County, VT | Metro: Addison County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,803 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,993 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 05734 in Addison County, Vermont, reveals several key points for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,370 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the current market rent of $1,194 based on Census ACS data. This suggests that landlords can potentially charge above the market rate if they offer high-quality properties that meet the standards set by the FMR.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 05734 is $406,154. Unfortunately, the data does not provide the number of days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that required price cuts to sell, making it difficult to assess the liquidity and competition in the local real estate market. However, the median home value gives a clear indication of the capital investment required to enter the market.
Lastly, the demand for tenants must be considered. With a population of 1,297 and a 17.3% renter share, the potential tenant pool is relatively small but significant. This means that while there may not be an abundance of renters, those who are looking for housing are likely to find the limited options available attractive.
Verdict: The rent math in ZIP 05734 supports charging above the current market rent, aligning with the FMR of $1,370. However, the acquisition cost at a median home value of $406,154 may be prohibitive for some investors without further insights into the DOM and price-cutting trends. Despite the small population, the 17.3% renter share indicates sufficient tenant demand. Landlords should focus on offering quality rentals that justify the higher rent prices to attract and retain tenants in this competitive yet niche 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.