Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Orange County, Vermont
Orange County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,581 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,173 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $30.40 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,581
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Vermont
- Typical rent
- $1,173
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Vermont
- Wage needed
- $30.40
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $63,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in Vermont
Only here
Renting in Orange County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Caledonia County has the lowest typical rent ($920), 22% below the $1,173 in Orange County.
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 Orange 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,101 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,378 | $26.50 | $55,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,581 | $30.40 | $63,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,018 | $38.81 | $80,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,140 | $41.15 | $85,600 |
HUD area: Orange 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 36 ZIP codes in Orange County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 05081 to $2,230 in 05679. 18 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,581).
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)
| 05033 | Orange County, VT | $1,180 | $1,470 | $1,690 | $2,160 | $2,290 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05036 | Orange County, VT | $1,210 | $1,510 | $1,740 | $2,220 | $2,350 |
| 05038 | Orange County, VT | $1,390 | $1,740 | $2,000 | $2,550 | $2,710 |
| 05039 | Orange County, VT | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,160 |
| 05040 | Orange County, VT | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,140 |
| 05041 | Orange County, VT | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,140 |
| 05043 | Orange County, VT | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,500 | $1,910 | $2,030 |
| 05045 | Orange County, VT | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,570 | $2,000 | $2,120 |
| 05051 | Orange County, VT | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,650 | $2,110 | $2,230 |
| 05058 | Orange County, VT | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,570 | $2,020 | $2,160 |
| 05060 | Orange County, VT | $1,050 | $1,240 | $1,420 | $1,810 | $1,920 |
| 05060 | Washington County, VT | $1,050 | $1,240 | $1,420 | $1,810 | $1,920 |
| 05060 | Windsor County, VT | $1,050 | $1,240 | $1,420 | $1,810 | $1,920 |
| 05061 | Orange County, VT | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,540 | $1,970 | $2,080 |
| 05061 | Windsor County, VT | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,540 | $1,970 | $2,080 |
| 05069 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,120 | $1,290 | $1,480 | $1,950 | $2,170 |
| 05069 | Orange County, VT | $1,120 | $1,290 | $1,480 | $1,950 | $2,170 |
| 05070 | Orange County, VT | $1,220 | $1,530 | $1,750 | $2,230 | $2,370 |
| 05070 | Windsor County, VT | $1,220 | $1,530 | $1,750 | $2,230 | $2,370 |
| 05072 | Orange County, VT | $1,180 | $1,410 | $1,630 | $2,080 | $2,210 |
| 05072 | Windsor County, VT | $1,180 | $1,410 | $1,630 | $2,080 | $2,210 |
| 05075 | Orange County, VT | $1,300 | $1,450 | $1,700 | $2,190 | $2,340 |
| 05076 | Orange County, VT | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,140 |
| 05077 | Orange County, VT | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,610 | $2,060 | $2,180 |
| 05077 | Windsor County, VT | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,610 | $2,060 | $2,180 |
| 05079 | Orange County, VT | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,460 | $1,860 | $1,980 |
| 05081 | Caledonia County, VT | $980 | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,790 | $1,910 |
| 05081 | Orange County, VT | $980 | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,790 | $1,910 |
| 05083 | Orange County, VT | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,520 | $1,930 | $2,050 |
| 05086 | Orange County, VT | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,140 |
| 05649 | Orange County, VT | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,150 |
| 05649 | Washington County, VT | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,150 |
| 05654 | Orange County, VT | $1,120 | $1,310 | $1,610 | $2,030 | $2,140 |
| 05654 | Washington County, VT | $1,120 | $1,310 | $1,610 | $2,030 | $2,140 |
| 05675 | Orange County, VT | $1,370 | $1,670 | $1,970 | $2,510 | $2,660 |
| 05679 | Orange County, VT | $1,550 | $1,940 | $2,230 | $2,850 | $3,020 |
- 05033 · Orange County, VT $1,690$2,160
- 05036 · Orange County, VT $1,740$2,220
- 05038 · Orange County, VT $2,000$2,550
- 05039 · Orange County, VT $1,590$2,030
- 05040 · Orange County, VT $1,580$2,020
- 05041 · Orange County, VT $1,580$2,020
- 05043 · Orange County, VT $1,500$1,910
- 05045 · Orange County, VT $1,570$2,000
- 05051 · Orange County, VT $1,650$2,110
- 05058 · Orange County, VT $1,570$2,020
- 05060 · Orange County, VT $1,420$1,810
- 05060 · Washington County, VT $1,420$1,810
- 05060 · Windsor County, VT $1,420$1,810
- 05061 · Orange County, VT $1,540$1,970
- 05061 · Windsor County, VT $1,540$1,970
- 05069 · Caledonia County, VT $1,480$1,950
- 05069 · Orange County, VT $1,480$1,950
- 05070 · Orange County, VT $1,750$2,230
- 05070 · Windsor County, VT $1,750$2,230
- 05072 · Orange County, VT $1,630$2,080
- 05072 · Windsor County, VT $1,630$2,080
- 05075 · Orange County, VT $1,700$2,190
- 05076 · Orange County, VT $1,580$2,020
- 05077 · Orange County, VT $1,610$2,060
- 05077 · Windsor County, VT $1,610$2,060
- 05079 · Orange County, VT $1,460$1,860
- 05081 · Caledonia County, VT $1,400$1,790
- 05081 · Orange County, VT $1,400$1,790
- 05083 · Orange County, VT $1,520$1,930
- 05086 · Orange County, VT $1,580$2,020
- 05649 · Orange County, VT $1,590$2,030
- 05649 · Washington County, VT $1,590$2,030
- 05654 · Orange County, VT $1,610$2,030
- 05654 · Washington County, VT $1,610$2,030
- 05675 · Orange County, VT $1,970$2,510
- 05679 · Orange County, VT $2,230$2,850
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 Orange County, 53% 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.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,143 households rent in Orange County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 32%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Orange 53%
- Vermont 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Orange County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Orange County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 7
418 homes in all; 357 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Chelsea Williamstown Apartments HUD-assisted 11 Riverside Dr, Chelsea 05038 58 low-income homes · For families
- Randolph House HUD-assisted 65 N Main St, Randolph 05060 49 homes, 48 low-income · For older adults
- Randolph House Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 65 N Main St, Randolph 48 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Waits River Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 68 S Main St, Bradford 29 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Bradford Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Meadow Ln, Bradford 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Colonial Village Tax credit (LIHTC) South Pleasant and South Main ST, Bradford 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, families
- Randolph Circle HUD-assisted 4 Hedding Dr, Randolph 05060 20 low-income homes · For families
- Red Lion Inn HUD-assisted 9 Pleasant St, Randolph 05060 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Wells River Downtown Tax credit (LIHTC) 28 Grove St, Wells River 22 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Hedding Drive Tax credit (LIHTC) Hedding DR, Randolph 16 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Colonial Village II HUD-assisted 59 S Pleasant St, Bradford 05033 14 low-income homes · For older adults
- Salisbury Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 34 School St, Randolph 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Branchwood Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Randolph Ave, Randolph 12 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Prospect/Forest Homes HUD-assisted 18 Forest St, Randolph 05060 9 low-income homes · For families
- Gardens I @ Williamstown Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 2844 Vt Route 14, Williamstown 30 homes, 7 low-income · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Baldwin Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 23 Main St N, Wells River 7 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Colonial Village I HUD-assisted 128 S Main St, Bradford 05033 7 low-income homes · For families
- Gardens II @ Williamstown Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 2844 Vt Route 14, Williamstown 21 homes, 5 low-income · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
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 Orange County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Orange County; the state's agencies can help you. 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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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 | $22,200 | $36,950 | $59,100 |
| 2 people | $25,350 | $42,200 | $67,550 |
| 3 people | $28,500 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,750 | $84,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,000 | $91,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,200 | $97,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,450 | $104,700 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,650 | $111,450 |
Area median income: $105,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Orange County, VT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $991 – $1,211
- 1 bedroom $1,240 – $1,516
- 2 bedrooms $1,423 – $1,739
- 3 bedrooms $1,816 – $2,220
- 4 bedrooms $1,926 – $2,354
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Orange County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Orange County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. DBA Ruraledge
1222 Main St, St Johnsbury · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council, Inc. (BROC)
45 Union St, Rutland · 41 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Champlain Housing Trust
88 King St, Burlington · 53 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Orange 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
$3,162
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,581
- Security deposit
- $1,581
- Total
- $3,162
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 Orange County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,101; 1 bedroom: $1,378; 2 bedrooms: $1,581; 3 bedrooms: $2,018; 4 bedrooms: $2,140. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Orange County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,581) without spending more than 30% of income takes $30.40 an hour full time, or $63,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Orange County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,750 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 Orange 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 $1,423 and $1,739 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Orange County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 05081 to $2,230 in 05679. 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 Orange County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Orange 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 Orange County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Orange County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Vermont, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).