Is Washington County, VT good for real estate investing?

Washington County has an investment score of 51/100, rated as "Hold". The county ranks #575 nationally among 1000 counties analyzed.

What is the rent-to-price ratio in Washington?

The rent-to-price ratio in Washington County is 4.95% annually, which ranks in the 23th percentile nationally. Higher ratios indicate better cash flow potential.

What is the median home price in Washington?

The median home price in Washington County is $403,250. This ranks #872 in affordability among all US counties.

Can you cash flow on rental properties in Washington?

Based on median values with 20% down at current rates, a typical rental in Washington County would generate negative cash flow of $1,033/month. Individual property performance varies based on purchase price, rent, and operating expenses.

Washington County

VermontPopulation: 59,768

/100

Hold

#575 of 1,000 counties

#5 in Vermont (14 counties)

Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring

Updated September 7, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$403,250

Median Home Price

76% above national median

$1,663/mo

Median Rent

15% above national median

4.95%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Top 77% nationally

-$1,033

Est. Monthly Cash Flow

With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Scenario comparison

Same $1,663/mo rent assumption, 20% down, 6.85% rate. What changes is the acquisition price.

Scenario	Purchase price	Monthly cash flow	Cap rate	Cash-on-cash
75% of median value-add or distressed	$302,438	-$504/mo	4.3%	-8.7%
Median typical MLS deal	$403,250	-$1,033/mo	3.2%	-13.4%
125% of median newer / premium	$504,063	-$1,561/mo	2.6%	-16.2%

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Quick Investment Calculator

Down Payment20%

5%50%100%

Purchase

Purchase Price$403,250

Down Payment (20%)$80,650

Loan Amount$322,600

Interest Rate6.85%

Monthly Cash Flow

Gross Rent+$1,663

Monthly P&I-$2,114

Est. Expenses (35%)-$582

Net Cash Flow-$1,033/mo

3.2%

Cap Rate (all cash)

-13.4%

Cash-on-Cash Return

4.95%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

Negative leverage: At 6.85% rates, borrowing costs exceed the 3.2% cap rate. All-cash buyers may see better returns.

* Based on county median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Actual results vary by property.

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Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score

51/100

Cash Flow(30%)

44/100

Based on 4.95% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.

Appreciation(25%)

64/100

Based on 1.4% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)

50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)

44/100

Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

+Complete rent data available

Challenges

-Below-average rent-to-price ratio (4.95%)
-Negative cash flow at typical financing (-$1,033/mo)
-Negative leverage (cap rate 3.2% < mortgage rate 6.9%)

Economic Indicators

Population

59,768

Median Income

—

Data pending

Unemployment Rate

—

Data pending

Price-to-Income

—

Data pending

Who this market fits

Best for

+All-cash buyers: removing debt service flips the cap rate to actual yield

Skip if

−You need positive cash flow on day one at typical leverage
−You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)

Compare to Nearby Counties

County					Verdict
BenningtonVT	55	$380,467	$1,777	5.60%	Hold	View
CurrentWashingtonVT	51	$403,250	$1,663	4.95%	Hold
ChittendenVT	51	$503,703	$2,412	5.75%	Hold	View
EssexVT	51	$214,733	Est. pending	—	Hold	View
AddisonVT	50	$407,598	Est. pending	—	Hold	View
Grand IsleVT	49	$435,893	Est. pending	—	Hold	View

The Bottom Line

HoldWashington is a neutral market. Consider house hacking or targeting below-market deals.

Washington County in Vermont scores 51/100, ranking #575 of 1,000 US counties (top 73%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental loses about $1033/month; the 4.95% gross rent-to-price ratio doesn't survive debt service. The thesis here is appreciation, value-add, house hacking, or all-cash.

Monthly Cash Flow

$-1,033/mo

Cap Rate

3.2%

Cash-on-Cash

-13.4%