ZIP Code 05488 Housing Market

📝 Local Market Notes

The housing market in ZIP code 05488, located within Franklin County, Vermont, demonstrates a sustained and robust upward price trajectory over the past five years. The Home Price Index (HPI), which stood at 203.5 in 2021, has risen to 303.6 by 2025. This represents a cumulative appreciation of approximately 49% in just four years, indicating a sub-market that has significantly outpaced its own historical baselines. The consistency of year-over-year gains suggests strong underlying demand rather than a speculative spike, with values accelerating from 2022 through the latest 2025 estimates. In terms of relative performance, ZIP 05488 exhibits a slight but notable divergence from broader regional trends. The ZIP’s year-over-year growth rate of +7.70% exceeds both the Franklin County average of +7.19% and the Vermont state average of +7.16%. This premium growth signals that the specific locality is capturing demand faster than the surrounding county and state, potentially due to localized amenities or limited inventory constraints. While nearby ZIPs such as 05454 and 05478 show similar HPI levels, their slower growth rates of +7.10% and +5.72% respectively, further highlight 05488’s distinct market momentum. Characterizing the sub-market requires contextualizing the ZIP’s high HPI against parent county data. Franklin County reports a median home value of $306,700 and a median household income of $81,313. Given that ZIP 05488’s HPI is nearly triple its 2000 baseline, the area likely functions as a mid-to-upper-tier segment within the county, rather than an entry-level or renter-heavy zone. The county’s high owner-occupancy rate of 77.4% supports a stable, ownership-driven environment. For prospective buyers, the practical takeaway is that 05488 offers established equity growth but commands a premium price point relative to the county median. With national mortgage rates at 7.40%, the high appreciation rate underscores the importance of assessing affordability carefully, as the rapid value increase may outpace local income growth, making the market competitive for both sellers and buyers seeking long-term stability.

Based on FHFA House Price Index data.