Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,503 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,109 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,503
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% less than in Vermont
- Typical rent
- $1,109
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Vermont
- Wage needed
- $28.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $60,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 64%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 31% more than in Vermont
Only here
Renting in Bennington County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 14 counties in Vermont, Bennington County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 64%.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Bennington County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Bennington County was $1,580 a month in September 2026: 5.5% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,188 | $22.85 | $47,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,343 | $25.83 | $53,720 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,503 | $28.90 | $60,120 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,081 | $40.02 | $83,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,512 | $48.31 | $100,480 |
HUD area: Bennington County, VT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 21 ZIP codes in Bennington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 05253 to $2,090 in 05352. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,503).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 05152 | Bennington County, VT | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,680 | $2,330 | $2,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05201 | Bennington County, VT | $1,200 | $1,360 | $1,520 | $2,100 | $2,540 |
| 05250 | Bennington County, VT | $1,300 | $1,470 | $1,640 | $2,270 | $2,740 |
| 05251 | Bennington County, VT | $1,190 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,960 | $2,330 |
| 05251 | Rutland County, VT | $1,190 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,960 | $2,330 |
| 05252 | Bennington County, VT | $1,490 | $1,680 | $1,880 | $2,600 | $3,140 |
| 05253 | Bennington County, VT | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,260 |
| 05253 | Rutland County, VT | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,260 |
| 05254 | Bennington County, VT | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,270 |
| 05255 | Bennington County, VT | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,270 |
| 05257 | Bennington County, VT | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,720 | $2,380 | $2,870 |
| 05260 | Bennington County, VT | $1,230 | $1,400 | $1,600 | $2,110 | $2,480 |
| 05261 | Bennington County, VT | $1,410 | $1,540 | $1,850 | $2,470 | $2,950 |
| 05262 | Bennington County, VT | $1,350 | $1,520 | $1,730 | $2,340 | $2,840 |
| 05340 | Bennington County, VT | $1,280 | $1,420 | $1,650 | $2,150 | $2,650 |
| 05350 | Bennington County, VT | $1,360 | $1,530 | $1,770 | $2,310 | $2,840 |
| 05350 | Windham County, VT | $1,360 | $1,530 | $1,770 | $2,310 | $2,840 |
| 05352 | Bennington County, VT | $1,650 | $1,870 | $2,090 | $2,890 | $3,490 |
| 05768 | Bennington County, VT | $1,410 | $1,430 | $1,860 | $2,230 | $2,600 |
| 05768 | Rutland County, VT | $1,410 | $1,430 | $1,860 | $2,230 | $2,600 |
| 05776 | Bennington County, VT | $1,250 | $1,340 | $1,610 | $2,090 | $2,430 |
- 05152 · Bennington County, VT $1,680$2,330
- 05201 · Bennington County, VT $1,520$2,100
- 05250 · Bennington County, VT $1,640$2,270
- 05251 · Bennington County, VT $1,530$1,960
- 05251 · Rutland County, VT $1,530$1,960
- 05252 · Bennington County, VT $1,880$2,600
- 05253 · Bennington County, VT $1,350$1,870
- 05253 · Rutland County, VT $1,350$1,870
- 05254 · Bennington County, VT $1,360$1,880
- 05255 · Bennington County, VT $1,360$1,880
- 05257 · Bennington County, VT $1,720$2,380
- 05260 · Bennington County, VT $1,600$2,110
- 05261 · Bennington County, VT $1,850$2,470
- 05262 · Bennington County, VT $1,730$2,340
- 05340 · Bennington County, VT $1,650$2,150
- 05350 · Bennington County, VT $1,770$2,310
- 05350 · Windham County, VT $1,770$2,310
- 05352 · Bennington County, VT $2,090$2,890
- 05768 · Bennington County, VT $1,860$2,230
- 05768 · Rutland County, VT $1,860$2,230
- 05776 · Bennington County, VT $1,610$2,090
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bennington County, 64% of renter households are in that position; in Vermont, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
64%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,945 households rent in Bennington County
- Spend half or more of their income 39%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 36%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bennington 64%
- Vermont 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bennington County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Bennington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 9
492 homes in all; 408 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Applegate Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) Applegate DR, Bennington 104 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Manchester Fields HUD-assisted 33 The Flds, Manchester Center 05255 25 low-income homes · For older adults
- Homestead Mews HUD-assisted RR 2 Box 290a, North Bennington 05257 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Readsboro Apartments HUD-assisted 430 Tunnel St, Readsboro 05350 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- The Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 122 Equinox Ter, Manchester Center 05255 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- The Meadows II HUD-assisted 126 The Mdws, Manchester Center 05255 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Bennington Historic Rehabilitation Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Pleasant St, Bennington 26 homes, 23 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 2 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Roaring Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) 132 Benmont Ave, Bennington 26 homes, 22 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Battenkill North Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 Safford St, Bennington 22 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Arlington Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3708 Vt Route 7A, Arlington 26 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Homestead Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 Rte 67 W, North Bennington 17 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Lake Paran Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Lake Paran Road, Shaftsubry 22 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2020 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Ben-South Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 South St, Bennington 21 homes, 15 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 3 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Spruce Brook HUD-assisted 29 Spruce Brk, Manchester Center 05255 14 homes, 12 low-income · For families
- Cora B Whitney Tax credit (LIHTC) 814 Gage St, Bennington 22 homes, 11 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Downtown Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 South St, Bennington 12 homes, 11 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Manchester Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Torrey Knl, Manchester Center 16 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Group Home for the Developmentally Disabled HUD-assisted 215 Union St, Bennington 05201 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Group Home for the Cmi HUD-assisted 329 South St, Bennington 05201 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Independent Living Complex HUD-assisted 9 Bank St, Bennington 05201 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Monument View Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Hilltop Drive, Bennington 24 homes, 2 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2019 · For families
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Bennington County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Bennington County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,400 | $37,350 | $59,750 |
| 2 people | $25,600 | $42,700 | $68,300 |
| 3 people | $28,800 | $48,050 | $76,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,350 | $85,350 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,650 | $92,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,900 | $99,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,200 | $105,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,450 | $112,700 |
Area median income: $106,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bennington County, VT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,069 – $1,307
- 1 bedroom $1,209 – $1,477
- 2 bedrooms $1,353 – $1,653
- 3 bedrooms $1,873 – $2,289
- 4 bedrooms $2,261 – $2,763
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Bennington Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 459 vouchers (802) 442-8000 Bennington Housing Authority: lindsay.vajda@benningtonhousing.net
Housing agencies in Vermont Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Vermont
What Vermont law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 days
- 9 V.S.A. §4461(c)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- 9 V.S.A. §4467(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 60 days
- 9 V.S.A. §4467(c)-(e)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 60 days
- 9 V.S.A. §4455(b)
- Only a court order can remove you9 V.S.A. §4463
- Protection from retaliation9 V.S.A. §4465(a)
- Protection related to immigration status9 V.S.A. §4503(a)(1)-(2)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Bennington County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Bennington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council, Inc.- Vermont
332 Orchard Rd, Bennington
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Bennington County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Vermont, the average home bill was $126 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,006
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,503
- Security deposit
- $1,503
- Total
- $3,006
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Bennington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,188; 1 bedroom: $1,343; 2 bedrooms: $1,503; 3 bedrooms: $2,081; 4 bedrooms: $2,512. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bennington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,503) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.90 an hour full time, or $60,120 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bennington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,350 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Bennington County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,353 and $1,653 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bennington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 05253 to $2,090 in 05352. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Bennington County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Bennington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Bennington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bennington County, 64% of renter households are in that position; in Vermont, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).