Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Orleans County, Vermont
Orleans County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,363 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $892 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,363
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 23% less than in Vermont
- Typical rent
- $892
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in Vermont
- Wage needed
- $26.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $54,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in Vermont
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 Orleans 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 | $1,067 | $20.52 | $42,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,111 | $21.37 | $44,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,363 | $26.21 | $54,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,754 | $33.73 | $70,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,909 | $36.71 | $76,360 |
HUD area: Orleans 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 27 ZIP codes in Orleans County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 05833 to $1,960 in 05826. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,363).
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)
| 05820 | Orleans County, VT | $1,060 | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,750 | $1,910 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05822 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,060 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,740 | $1,890 |
| 05822 | Orleans County, VT | $1,060 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,740 | $1,890 |
| 05825 | Orleans County, VT | $1,040 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,710 | $1,870 |
| 05826 | Lamoille County, VT | $1,530 | $1,600 | $1,960 | $2,520 | $2,750 |
| 05826 | Orleans County, VT | $1,530 | $1,600 | $1,960 | $2,520 | $2,750 |
| 05827 | Orleans County, VT | $1,090 | $1,160 | $1,370 | $1,780 | $2,300 |
| 05829 | Orleans County, VT | $1,150 | $1,200 | $1,470 | $1,890 | $2,060 |
| 05830 | Orleans County, VT | $1,140 | $1,180 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,030 |
| 05833 | Orleans County, VT | $850 | $960 | $1,070 | $1,450 | $1,790 |
| 05839 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,190 | $1,210 | $1,420 | $1,920 | $2,250 |
| 05839 | Orleans County, VT | $1,190 | $1,210 | $1,420 | $1,920 | $2,250 |
| 05841 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,320 |
| 05841 | Orleans County, VT | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,320 |
| 05842 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,220 | $1,260 | $1,520 | $1,990 | $2,210 |
| 05842 | Orleans County, VT | $1,220 | $1,260 | $1,520 | $1,990 | $2,210 |
| 05845 | Orleans County, VT | $1,070 | $1,120 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $1,920 |
| 05847 | Orleans County, VT | $1,050 | $1,090 | $1,340 | $1,720 | $1,880 |
| 05853 | Orleans County, VT | $1,140 | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,880 | $2,050 |
| 05855 | Orleans County, VT | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,320 | $1,700 | $1,850 |
| 05857 | Orleans County, VT | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,140 |
| 05859 | Orleans County, VT | $1,370 | $1,430 | $1,750 | $2,250 | $2,450 |
| 05860 | Orleans County, VT | $970 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,790 |
| 05868 | Orleans County, VT | $1,320 | $1,380 | $1,690 | $2,170 | $2,370 |
| 05872 | Orleans County, VT | $1,020 | $1,090 | $1,310 | $1,700 | $1,870 |
| 05874 | Orleans County, VT | $1,000 | $1,040 | $1,280 | $1,650 | $1,790 |
| 05875 | Orleans County, VT | $1,060 | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,750 | $1,900 |
- 05820 · Orleans County, VT $1,360$1,750
- 05822 · Caledonia County, VT $1,350$1,740
- 05822 · Orleans County, VT $1,350$1,740
- 05825 · Orleans County, VT $1,330$1,710
- 05826 · Lamoille County, VT $1,960$2,520
- 05826 · Orleans County, VT $1,960$2,520
- 05827 · Orleans County, VT $1,370$1,780
- 05829 · Orleans County, VT $1,470$1,890
- 05830 · Orleans County, VT $1,450$1,870
- 05833 · Orleans County, VT $1,070$1,450
- 05839 · Caledonia County, VT $1,420$1,920
- 05839 · Orleans County, VT $1,420$1,920
- 05841 · Caledonia County, VT $1,590$2,080
- 05841 · Orleans County, VT $1,590$2,080
- 05842 · Caledonia County, VT $1,520$1,990
- 05842 · Orleans County, VT $1,520$1,990
- 05845 · Orleans County, VT $1,370$1,760
- 05847 · Orleans County, VT $1,340$1,720
- 05853 · Orleans County, VT $1,460$1,880
- 05855 · Orleans County, VT $1,320$1,700
- 05857 · Orleans County, VT $1,510$1,940
- 05859 · Orleans County, VT $1,750$2,250
- 05860 · Orleans County, VT $1,240$1,600
- 05868 · Orleans County, VT $1,690$2,170
- 05872 · Orleans County, VT $1,310$1,700
- 05874 · Orleans County, VT $1,280$1,650
- 05875 · Orleans County, VT $1,360$1,750
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 Orleans County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,450 households rent in Orleans County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Orleans 43%
- Vermont 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Orleans County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Orleans County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 6
239 homes in all; 236 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Governor Prouty Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Governor Prouty Drive, Newport 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Governor Prouty Apartments HUD-assisted 26 Governor Dr, Newport 05855 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Newport Place - Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 246 Elm St, Newport 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Johns River Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 29 West Street, Derby Line 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Newport Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 48 Pleasant St, Newport 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Lakeview Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 Governor Dr, Newport 16 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Crystal Lake Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 177 High St, Barton 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 3 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Governors Mansion Apartments HUD-assisted 88 2nd St, Newport 05855 15 low-income homes · For older adults
- Pine Grove Apartments HUD-assisted 72 Pine Grove Dr, North Troy 05859 14 low-income homes · For older adults
- Newport Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 107 Main St, Newport 13 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Newport City Senior Housing HUD-assisted 107 Main St, Newport 05855 15 homes, 12 low-income · For older adults
- Glover Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 23 Dexter Mountain Rd, Glover 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Parkview Housing HUD-assisted 143 Willey St, Newport 05855 12 low-income homes · For families
- Derby Line Gardens HUD-assisted 21 Main St, Derby Line 05830 11 low-income homes · 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 Orleans 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 Orleans 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 | $22,000 | $36,650 | $58,650 |
| 2 people | $25,150 | $41,900 | $67,000 |
| 3 people | $28,300 | $47,150 | $75,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,350 | $83,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,550 | $90,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,750 | $97,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,950 | $103,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,150 | $110,550 |
Area median income: $95,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Orleans County, VT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $960 – $1,174
- 1 bedroom $1,000 – $1,222
- 2 bedrooms $1,227 – $1,499
- 3 bedrooms $1,579 – $1,929
- 4 bedrooms $1,718 – $2,100
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 Orleans 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 Orleans 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 · 30 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 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 Orleans 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
$2,726
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,363
- Security deposit
- $1,363
- Total
- $2,726
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 Orleans County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,067; 1 bedroom: $1,111; 2 bedrooms: $1,363; 3 bedrooms: $1,754; 4 bedrooms: $1,909. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Orleans County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,363) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.21 an hour full time, or $54,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Orleans County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,350 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 Orleans 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 $1,227 and $1,499 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Orleans County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 05833 to $1,960 in 05826. 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 Orleans County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Orleans 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 Orleans County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Orleans County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Vermont, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).