Location: Orleans County, VT | Metro: Lamoille County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,530 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,190 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,859 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,052 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 05826, located within Orleans County, VT, exhibits distinct characteristics when compared against typical metrics for the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 05826 is set at $1,640 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the average market rent of $1,214. This suggests that the area has above-average rental costs as per federal guidelines, potentially indicating a slightly more expensive living environment.
The median home value in ZIP 05826 stands at $315,101, which is notably higher than what might be considered average for the county. This points towards a premium sub-market within the broader context of Orleans County. However, the renter share of 14.6% is relatively low, suggesting that homeownership is more prevalent in this ZIP code compared to others in the county.
To determine if 05826 represents a value pocket or a mid-tier neighborhood, we must consider the relationship between its FMR and actual market rents. With an FMR of $1,640 but a market rent of $1,214, there is a significant gap, implying that tenants could find more affordable housing options in the area than what the federal guidelines suggest. This scenario can be advantageous for landlords and small-portfolio investors, as it means they can potentially offer rents below the FMR threshold while still maintaining profitability.
The combination of a below-average market rent and a below-average renter share does not necessarily signal a Section 8 sweet spot. A typical sweet spot would have a higher renter share coupled with lower home values, suggesting a concentration of rental properties that might benefit from government assistance programs. In this case, the higher home values indicate a more affluent residential area, less likely to be dominated by Section 8 rentals.
In summary, ZIP code 05826 appears to be a premium sub-market within its metro, characterized by higher home values and a slightly elevated FMR, despite having below-average market rents. While it offers opportunities for investors seeking above-average property values, it does not exhibit the traits typically associated with a prime location for Section 8 properties.
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.