Location: Windsor County, VT | Metro: Rutland County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,587 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,129 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,285 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing analysis for ZIP code 05758 centers around the discrepancy between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,460, whereas the Census ACS data indicates a market rent of $1,648. This represents a gap of $188, or approximately 12.8%, between what landlords can charge non-voucher tenants and the amount they would receive from tenants using Section 8 vouchers.
In this scenario, where the FMR is lower than the market rent, landlords face a decision: they can either rent to voucher holders at below-market rates or seek higher-paying tenants. The choice to accept Section 8 tenants comes with the understanding that the rental income will be less than what could potentially be earned in the open market. However, this does not necessarily translate into a loss situation given the broader economic context of ZIP 05758.
With only 11.9% of residents being renters, the competition for rental properties is relatively low. The median home value stands at $383,821, suggesting a robust local economy that supports property values. Additionally, the median income of $67,000 provides a stable financial base for residents, indicating a lower risk of default among tenants. While accepting Section 8 tenants means foregoing the additional $188 per month that could be earned renting at market rates, it also ensures a steady stream of government-backed rental payments, which can be crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for consistent cash flow.
To illustrate, if a landlord has a portfolio of 10 units in ZIP 05758, choosing to rent all to voucher holders would result in an annual shortfall of $22,560 ($188 x 12 months x 10 units). However, the stability provided by the federal housing assistance program can outweigh the financial loss for some investors. It's important to consider the overall occupancy rate and the ease of finding and retaining tenants when making investment decisions.
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.