Location: Orleans County, VT | Metro: Orleans County, VT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 05845 represents a small-town setting with a total population of 1,464. Only 12.5% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income here stands at $82,262, which is relatively high, suggesting a generally affluent area. The median home value in this ZIP is $298,286, reflecting the higher-end nature of the housing stock.
Turning to the rent economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,160. In contrast, the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,058. This indicates that there is a slight premium for Section 8 vouchers in the area, potentially offering landlords a small financial advantage over market rates.
Given these factors, ZIP 05845 would be more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low percentage of renters suggests limited demand for rental properties, and the modest difference between FMR and market rent means that the potential for significant profit increases through property improvements is limited. Landlords should focus on maintaining their properties at a standard that meets voucher requirements without expecting substantial returns from active management or renovations.
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.