Vermont premium ZIP codes, ranked
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 05602 | MontpelierWashington County | $1,870 | $2,340 | $1,455 | +29% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 2 | 05201 | BenningtonBennington County | $1,520 | $2,100 | $1,275 | +19% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 3 | 05641 | BarreWashington County | $1,680 | $2,110 | $1,430 | +18% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 4 | 05089 | WindsorWindsor County | $1,490 | $1,950 | $1,363 | +9% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 5 | 05478 | Saint AlbansFranklin County | $1,930 | $2,480 | $1,798 | +7% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 6 | 05753 | MiddleburyAddison County | $1,660 | $1,980 | $1,550 | +7% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 7 | 05404 | WinooskiChittenden County | $2,320 | $2,930 | $2,175 | +7% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 8 | 05401 | BurlingtonChittenden County | $2,420 | $3,060 | $2,328 | +4% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 9 | 05301 | BrattleboroWindham County | $1,650 | $1,970 | $1,619 | +2% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent to the ZIP's typical asking rent across all home sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
Closest to parity in Vermont
These ZIPs sit just below the line. A payment standard above 100 percent of FMR, a utility allowance in your favor, or October's FMR update can push them into premium territory.
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 05701 | RutlandRutland County | $1,510 | $1,800 | $1,513 | -0% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 11 | 05482 | ShelburneChittenden County | $1,940 | $2,480 | $2,025 | -4% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 12 | 05495 | WillistonChittenden County | $2,410 | $3,040 | $2,593 | -7% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 13 | 05403 | South BurlingtonChittenden County | $2,410 | $3,040 | $2,605 | -8% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 14 | 05408 | BurlingtonChittenden County | $2,260 | $2,850 | $2,466 | -8% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 15 | 05156 | SpringfieldWindsor County | $1,400 | $1,830 | $1,538 | -9% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 16 | 05452 | EssexChittenden County | $2,060 | $2,600 | $2,425 | -15% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 17 | 05446 | ColchesterChittenden County | $1,970 | $2,490 | $2,325 | -15% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 18 | 05001 | HartfordWindsor County | $1,660 | $2,170 | $1,966 | -16% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 19 | 05661 | MorrisvilleLamoille County | $1,580 | $2,190 | $1,950 | -19% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
How these numbers are calculated
- Voucher rent is the HUD FY2027 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) where it applies, otherwise the county or metro Fair Market Rent. This is the basis housing authorities use to set payment standards, typically 90 to 110 percent of it, and it is a gross rent that includes a utility allowance.
- Typical market rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the ZIP code as of August 2026, a smoothed measure of asking rents across all home types and sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
- Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent against that blended market figure, which is the conservative comparison. Premiums for 3 and 4 bedroom homes are often larger.
- The premium is a screening signal, not a guarantee. Housing authorities run a rent reasonableness review against unassisted comparables before approving any contract rent, and the payment standard is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Always verify with the local housing authority.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents and Zillow Research (ZORI). FMRs effective October 1 each year; ZORI updates monthly.
Frequently asked questions
- Which ZIP code in Vermont has the biggest Section 8 premium?
- 05602 (Montpelier) currently shows the largest gap: the 2-bedroom voucher rent basis is $1,870 against a typical market rent of $1,455, a +29% premium.
- How many ZIP codes in Vermont pay above market rent?
- Of the 19 Vermont ZIP codes with both HUD and market rent data, 9 currently show a voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent.
- Can I actually charge the full amount shown here?
- Not automatically. The housing authority sets a payment standard between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR or SAFMR, and every lease passes a rent reasonableness review against comparable unassisted units. Treat the premium as a screening signal for where to look, then verify with the local housing authority.