Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Washington County, Vermont
Washington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,783 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,163 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,783
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Vermont
- Typical rent
- $1,163
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Vermont
- Wage needed
- $34.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $71,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in Vermont
Only here
Renting in Washington 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, Washington County has the smallest share of rent-burdened renters: 41%.
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Nearby, in Orleans County, the typical rent is $892: 23% less than in Washington County ($1,163).
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 Washington 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 Washington County was $1,690 a month in September 2026: 4% 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 | $1,242 | $23.88 | $49,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,363 | $26.21 | $54,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,783 | $34.29 | $71,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,230 | $42.88 | $89,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,343 | $45.06 | $93,720 |
HUD area: Washington 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 29 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 05651 to $2,670 in 05650. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,783).
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)
| 05602 | Washington County, VT | $1,300 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $2,340 | $2,460 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05640 | Washington County, VT | $1,330 | $1,460 | $1,910 | $2,390 | $2,520 |
| 05641 | Orange County, VT | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,110 | $2,220 |
| 05641 | Washington County, VT | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,110 | $2,220 |
| 05647 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $2,240 | $2,350 |
| 05647 | Washington County, VT | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $2,240 | $2,350 |
| 05648 | Washington County, VT | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,230 | $2,340 |
| 05650 | Washington County, VT | $1,860 | $2,040 | $2,670 | $3,340 | $3,510 |
| 05651 | Washington County, VT | $1,060 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,900 | $2,000 |
| 05658 | Caledonia County, VT | $1,270 | $1,400 | $1,830 | $2,290 | $2,410 |
| 05658 | Washington County, VT | $1,270 | $1,400 | $1,830 | $2,290 | $2,410 |
| 05660 | Washington County, VT | $1,390 | $1,520 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,620 |
| 05663 | Orange County, VT | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,730 | $2,160 | $2,270 |
| 05663 | Washington County, VT | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,730 | $2,160 | $2,270 |
| 05664 | Washington County, VT | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $2,230 | $2,340 |
| 05666 | Washington County, VT | $1,500 | $1,650 | $2,150 | $2,690 | $2,830 |
| 05667 | Washington County, VT | $1,250 | $1,380 | $1,800 | $2,250 | $2,370 |
| 05669 | Addison County, VT | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,630 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 05669 | Orange County, VT | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,630 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 05669 | Washington County, VT | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,630 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 05670 | Washington County, VT | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,110 | $2,220 |
| 05673 | Washington County, VT | $1,660 | $1,830 | $2,390 | $2,990 | $3,140 |
| 05674 | Washington County, VT | $1,680 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $3,010 | $3,170 |
| 05676 | Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $1,500 | $1,650 | $2,160 | $2,700 | $2,830 |
| 05676 | Washington County, VT | $1,500 | $1,650 | $2,160 | $2,700 | $2,830 |
| 05677 | Washington County, VT | $1,450 | $1,570 | $2,030 | $2,590 | $2,690 |
| 05678 | Washington County, VT | $1,160 | $1,300 | $1,660 | $2,090 | $2,200 |
| 05681 | Washington County, VT | $1,410 | $1,510 | $1,900 | $2,440 | $2,680 |
| 05682 | Washington County, VT | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $2,060 | $2,170 |
- 05602 · Washington County, VT $1,870$2,340
- 05640 · Washington County, VT $1,910$2,390
- 05641 · Orange County, VT $1,680$2,110
- 05641 · Washington County, VT $1,680$2,110
- 05647 · Caledonia County, VT $1,790$2,240
- 05647 · Washington County, VT $1,790$2,240
- 05648 · Washington County, VT $1,780$2,230
- 05650 · Washington County, VT $2,670$3,340
- 05651 · Washington County, VT $1,520$1,900
- 05658 · Caledonia County, VT $1,830$2,290
- 05658 · Washington County, VT $1,830$2,290
- 05660 · Washington County, VT $1,990$2,490
- 05663 · Orange County, VT $1,730$2,160
- 05663 · Washington County, VT $1,730$2,160
- 05664 · Washington County, VT $1,780$2,230
- 05666 · Washington County, VT $2,150$2,690
- 05667 · Washington County, VT $1,800$2,250
- 05669 · Addison County, VT $1,630$2,040
- 05669 · Orange County, VT $1,630$2,040
- 05669 · Washington County, VT $1,630$2,040
- 05670 · Washington County, VT $1,680$2,110
- 05673 · Washington County, VT $2,390$2,990
- 05674 · Washington County, VT $2,410$3,010
- 05676 · Burlington-South Burlington, VT $2,160$2,700
- 05676 · Washington County, VT $2,160$2,700
- 05677 · Washington County, VT $2,030$2,590
- 05678 · Washington County, VT $1,660$2,090
- 05681 · Washington County, VT $1,900$2,440
- 05682 · Washington County, VT $1,650$2,060
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 Washington County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,808 households rent in Washington County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Washington 41%
- Vermont 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Washington County
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 3
1,433 homes in all; 1,289 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- No Barre Manor Public housing 455 N Main St, Barre 05641 276 homes, 267 low-income · Run by Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $417 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (802) 476-3185
- Highgate Apartments HUD-assisted 25 Skyline Dr, Barre 05641 120 homes, 113 low-income · For families
- Green Acres Public housing 170 Mill St, East Barre 05649 95 homes, 94 low-income · Run by Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $595 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (802) 476-3185
- Highgate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 Highgate DR, Barre 120 homes, 87 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 62 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Highgate Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Highgate Dr, Barre 120 homes, 74 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 33 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Pioneer Apts Public housing 155 Main St, Montpelier 05602 60 low-income homes · Run by Montpelier Housing Authority · Average payment: $417 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (802) 229-9232
- Lane Shops Apartments HUD-assisted 1 Mechanic St, Montpelier 05602 50 low-income homes · For older adults
- River Station Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 193 Barre St, Montpelier 36 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Green Mountain Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 144 Wall St, Northfield 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Downstreet Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 + 20 Summer Street, Barre 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Mad River Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 144 Butcher House Dr, Waitsfield 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, families
- Mad River Meadows HUD-assisted 144 Butcher House Dr, Waitsfield 05673 24 low-income homes · For families
- North Branch Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 87 Elm St, Montpelier 23 low-income homes · Studio: 7 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For families
- South Main Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 36 State Dr, Waterbury 27 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Cummings ST Apts Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Cummings St, Montpelier 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Cummings Street Family Housing HUD-assisted 21 Cummings St, Montpelier 05602 20 low-income homes · For families
- Dogwood Glen Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 176 Dogwood Glen Dr, Northfield 05663 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Taylor Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Taylor St, Montpelier 30 homes, 19 low-income · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2019 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Stonewall Farms & Bianchi Building Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Barre St, Montpelier 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Wheeler Brook Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 31 Wheeler Brook Dr, Warren 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Barre Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 39 Barre St, Montpelier 19 homes, 17 low-income · Studio: 7 · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Evergreen Place Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 5308 Main St, Waitsfield 18 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Hollister Hill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 42 Austin Road, Marshfield 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Morse Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 260 S Main St, Barre 16 homes, 15 low-income · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For families
- The Morse Block HUD-assisted 264 N Main St, Barre 05641 16 homes, 15 low-income · For families
- French Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 42 Main St, Montpelier 18 homes, 14 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Green Mountain Seminary Tax credit (LIHTC) 38 Hollow Rd, Waterbury Center 16 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Chase Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 12 Stowe St, Waterbury 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- School Street - Plainfield Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 School St, Plainfield 13 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For families
- School Street Apartments HUD-assisted 169 School St, Plainfield 05667 13 low-income homes · For families
- Winooski River Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 37 Barre St, Montpelier 15 homes, 12 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2017 · For families
- 58 Barre Street Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 58 Barre St, Montpelier 14 homes, 12 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Butler Apts HUD-assisted 6 Wallace St, Waterbury 05676 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (802) 272-5110
- CDW Properties HUD-assisted 8 Summer St, Barre 05641 12 low-income homes · For older adults
- Wells House HUD-assisted 16 N Main St, Waterbury 05676 12 low-income homes · For older adults
- North Branch Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 89 Elm St, Montpelier 16 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Hebert Farms HUD-assisted Hebert Street, Montpelier 05602 10 low-income homes · For families
- Washington County Community Housing Project I HUD-assisted 45 Pearl St, Barre 05641 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cabot Commons Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 36 Glinka Rd, Cabot 8 homes, 7 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Seven Saint Paul Street HUD-assisted 7 St Paul St, Montpelier 05602 7 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
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 Washington County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Washington County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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 | $23,950 | $39,900 | $63,850 |
| 2 people | $27,400 | $45,600 | $73,000 |
| 3 people | $30,800 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 4 people | $34,200 | $57,000 | $91,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,600 | $98,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,150 | $105,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,700 | $113,100 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,250 | $120,400 |
Area median income: $114,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Washington County, VT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,118 – $1,366
- 1 bedroom $1,227 – $1,499
- 2 bedrooms $1,605 – $1,961
- 3 bedrooms $2,007 – $2,453
- 4 bedrooms $2,109 – $2,577
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
- Vermont State Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 4,504 vouchers (802) 828-3295 Vermont State Housing Authority: kathleen@vsha.org
- Barre Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 189 vouchers · 361 public housing units (802) 476-3185 Barre Housing Authority: jaime@barrehousing.org
- Montpelier Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 125 vouchers · 60 public housing units (802) 229-9232 Montpelier Housing Authority: troiano@together.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 Washington County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Washington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Downstreet Housing and Community Development, Inc.
22 Keith Ave, Barre
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Washington 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
$3,566
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,783
- Security deposit
- $1,783
- Total
- $3,566
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 Washington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,242; 1 bedroom: $1,363; 2 bedrooms: $1,783; 3 bedrooms: $2,230; 4 bedrooms: $2,343. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,783) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.29 an hour full time, or $71,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,000 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 Washington 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 $1,605 and $1,961 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Washington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 05651 to $2,670 in 05650. 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 Washington County?
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Washington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Washington County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Vermont, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).