Vermont
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Are you mulling over moving to Vermont?

The Green Mountain State is famous for its remarkable beauty and its low population of fewer than 650,000 people. That makes Vermont the perfect place for anyone looking to move away from fast-paced city life into a peaceful and hospitable environment.

If you’d like to live in a state where you can stay active and enjoy the outdoors for the most part of the year, moving to Vermont is perfect for you.

Vermont has one of the lowest crime rates in America making it one of the best places for families, millennials, retirees, and people of all ages.

Also, if you love rock climbing, camping, water sports, swimming, and hiking, moving to Vermont is right for you.

If you’re considering moving to Vermont and wondering if the state is right for you or not, we have all the key facts you need to know about the Green Mountain state to make the right decision.

Demographics

Vermont Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Vermont.

Male vs Female Population of Vermont 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Vermont 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Vermont 2021

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Quick facts to know before moving to Vermont

  • Vermont is known for having one of the lowest crime rates in America
  • The cost of living in Vermont is lower than the U.S. average
  • Vermont has a shorter average commuting time than the U.S. average
  • Vermont is eco-friendly with a very low amount of pollution
  • The unemployment rate in Vermont is 2.2%. The U.S. average is 3.7%
  • Vermont’s median home cost is $204,500
  • The average annual pay for the average job in Vermont is $61,581

What’s the population of Vermont?

The population of Vermont is 643, 077 people. The state stretches across 9614 square miles of surface area. Vermont is rated as the 49th largest state by population and the 45th largest state by size.

  • There is an average of 68 people in every Vermont’s square mile
  • Vermont’s population is currently declining at 12% per year
  • The median age in Vermont is 42.2. U.S. median age is 37.4
  • Vermont has 2.3 people per household. The national average is 2.6 people

How fast can you commute in Vermont?

Commuting time is one of the key things to consider before moving to any state. If you’re moving to Vermont, the average one-way commute time is 22.8 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting time in Vermont is shorter than the United States average.

Here’s a breakdown of the average commuting time in Vermont:

  • About 75.9% of Vermont residents drive their own car alone
  • Up to 8.9% of Vermont residents carpool with others
  • Around 6.8% of Vermont residents work from home
  • About 1.2% of Vermont residents take mass transit

How is the weather like in Vermont?

Winters can be cold and snowy in Vermont while summers are usually warm, humid, and dry. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before making up your mind about moving to Vermont, here are key metrics of the state’s weather:

  • July summer high in Vermont is around 79 degrees
  • Vermont winter low in January low is around 6 degrees
  • Vermont averages 43 inches of rain a year
  • Vermont averages 86 inches of snow a year
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Top 10 Reasons to Move to Vermont

People are moving to Vermont for many reasons. The Green Mountain state attracts people of all ages and all walks of life.

While it’s impossible to nail one key reason why people are moving to Vermont, check out the top ten reasons why many people move to the state:

  • Fresh food from farm to table

    It is no secret that Vermont is a farming state and farmers’ markets are a prominent part of the state culture. While you get fresh farm produce and dairy products at farmers’ markets, they also support local farmers and traders.

  • Low population density

    Vermont has one of the lowest populations in the US and it further shrank in the three Northeast Kingdom counties — Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans — and in the four southern Vermont counties — Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor in the last decade.

  • Vermont is a remarkable place for outdoor enthusiasts

    A mere mention of Vermont, images of sunlit meadows of black-and-white cows, dazzling white ski trails, tidy hillside farms, blazing red maple trees along a stone wall, covered bridges, and buckets collecting sap for maple syrup appear. Amazingly scenic, Vermont has no shortage of outdoor activities.

    Here’s our list of top outdoor activities in Vermont.

    • Stay in a cozy log cabin
    • Take a brewery road trip
    • Stroll down a village street in the snow
    • Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
    • Hike to the summit of Camel’s Hump
    • Tour the biggest granite quarry in the world
    • Visit a local farmer’s market
    • Taste pure maple syrup
    • Road trip Vermont Route 100
    • Explore the covered bridges
  • You’ll live around neighbors who care

    In Vermont, you must be ready to start a conversation with a friendly stranger at any time. And interestingly, most locals know each other and they will recognize a newcomer even from a mile away. The best part is that you’ll always be surrounded by friendly and cordial people.

  • If you love lakes, you’ll love Vermont

    Maybe Vermont is smaller in size but it boasts of some of the best lakes in the country. Between the forestry and majestic mountains, there are hundreds of lakes in Vermont.

    We’ve got a list of some of the best lakes in Vermont.

    • Lake Champlain
    • Lake Bomoseen
    • Lake Saint Catherine
    • Lake Willoughby
    • Lake Memphremagog
    • Crystal Lake
    • Lake Elmore
    • Seymour Lake
    • Caspian Lake
  • Vermont has one of the lowest crime rates in the U.S.

    Vermont is one of the safest states and it beats the national rates for property and violent crime. The Green Mountain State has the fourth-lowest violent crime rate in the country and the eighth-lowest property crime rate. Vermont reported 19.89 property incidents per 1,000 people, compared to the national rate of 27.11.

  • You’ll enjoy top-quality education in Vermont

    Vermont ranks 5th in higher education and the state boasts of top-notch schools and colleges.

  • The amount of pollution in Vermont is extremely low

    Vermont has less traffic congestion, commerce, and industry which contribute to high air pollution. And Vermont’s air quality is one of the best in the US.

  • Experience the world-famous foliage each fall

    It’s no secret that Vermont is one of the best places in the United States to view spectacular fall foliage. In every season, Vermont’s iconic maple leaves turn from their lush summer green to vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow.

    To help you experience the best foliage in Vermont, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to explore.

    • Smuggler’s Notch Pass
    • The Kingdom Trails
    • Shelburne Farms & Shelburne Orchards
    • Mount Mansfield
    • Vergennes
    • Quechee State Park
    • Somerset Reservoir
    • Burlington & The Burlington Bike Path
    • Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge
    • Green River Reservoir State Park
  • If you love camping, you’ll love Vermont

    Vermont has a wide variety of camping experiences, including drive-in campsites, lean-to's, remote campsites, group camping areas, and even an inn-style lodge, all surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and fields.

    We’ve got a list of top-rated camping sites in Vermont.

    • Half Moon State Park, Hubbardton
    • Elmore State Park, Elmore
    • Stillwater State Park, Groton
    • Maidstone State Park, Maidstone
    • Jamaica State Park, Jamaica
    • Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle
    • Knight & Woods Islands, Burlington
    • Brighton State Park, Brighton
    • D.A.R. State Park, Addison
    • Coolidge State Park, Plymouth

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Vermont.

pros

Pros & Cons of Living in Vermont

Before making up your mind about moving to Vermont, consider the pros and cons of living in the state.

Pros of living in Vermont
  • You’ll enjoy a large amount of space in Vermont
  • If you love coastal communities, you’ll love Vermont
  • It’s hard to fake it until you make it to Vermont
  • Vermont is a politically engaged community
  • Vermont is suitable for people with a simple approach to life
  • Home costs are competitive in Vermont outside of the ski-towns
  • Vermont has the reliable transportation infrastructure
  • Vermont has a breathtaking landscape
  • Vermonters are known for living simple lifestyles
  • If you love snow sports, you’ll love Vermont
Cons of living in Vermont
  • Winter can be harsh in Vermont
  • Vermont’s economy is somewhat swinging
  • The cost of living in Vermont is higher than the U.S. average
  • You’ll have to put up with mud season in Vermont
  • Home rental cost is somewhat higher in Vermont
  • Winter driver can be terrible due to the rural nature of Vermont
  • Vermont is not a melting pot of culture
  • You’ll have to put up with air pollution in Vermont
  • Job opportunities aren’t so high in Vermont

Best Places to Live in Vermont

Moving to Vermont means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state. We’ve made a list of the ten best places to live in the Green Mountain State if you’re moving to Vermont. Check out the list below:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Woodstock 1,245 2.8% $430,800
2 South Burlington 19,162 3.7% $307,500
3 Montpelier 7,477 2.7% $252,600
4 Vergennes 2,596 2.6% $216,000
5 Essex Junction 10,603 2.9% $298,200
6 Jericho 1,315 1.4% $261,400
7 Winooski 7,242 3.7% $225,200
8 Burlington 42,545 4.3% $284,500
9 Lyndonville 1,411 5.1% $132,600
10 St. Albans 6,804 4.2% $180,800

Vermont Cities Moving Guides

Cost of Living in Vermont

The cost of living in Vermont is 95.2. The United States average is 100.

That means the average cost of living in Vermont is lower than the national average. Since you’re considering moving to Vermont, the cost of living in the Green Mountain State is one of the key things you’ll have to consider.

Living Expense Vermont United States
Overall 95.2 100
Grocery 106.7 100
Health 107.7 100
Housing 88.5 100
Median Home Cost $204,500 $231,200
Utilities 117.4 100
Transportation 77.9 100
Miscellaneous 100.6 100

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Vermont’s Housing Market

Buying a home is a good housing option if you’re moving to Vermont. More than 70% of the state’s population are homeowners. Vermont’s median home cost is $204,500 and home appreciation in the state over the last ten years has hit 8.9%. Currently, home appreciation in Vermont has grown by 3.7%.

Average home rental cost in Vermont

Renting a home is a good housing option if you’re moving to Vermont. Up to 23.1 percent of the state’s population are renters. Also, about 1.0% of apartments and homes in Vermont are available to rent.

Since you’re contemplating moving to Vermont, check out the average cost of renting a home in the state:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Vermont is $772
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Vermont is $872
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Vermont is $1,089
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Vermont is $1,414
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Vermont is $1,548

Median House Price in Vermont vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Vermont vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Vermont vs USA 2021

How is the job market in Vermont?

Vermont has a robust job market with an unemployment rate that is lower than the national average.

Moving to Vermont most likely means getting a new job faster than you can in several other states in the country.

What’s the average salary and income in Vermont?

Moving to Vermont could mean getting a new job with new pay. So, how much will you most likely earn if you’re moving to Vermont? Here’s a simple breakdown of the average pay in the Green Mountain state:

  • The average annual pay for the average job in Vermont is $61,581
  • The average hourly pay for the average job in Vermont is $29.61
  • The average weekly pay for the average job in Vermont is $1,184
  • The average monthly pay for the average job in Vermont is $5,132

Largest companies in Vermont

If you’re moving to Vermont and interested in working for some of the largest companies in the state, we’ve made a list of the top ten companies in Vermont. Check out the list below:

Rank Company City Employees
1 UVM Medical Center – Dermatology Burlington 8,711
2 University of Vermont Shelburne 5,300
3 State of Vermont Montpelier 5,000
4 IDX Systems South Burlington 2,409
5 Bruegger’s Enterprises Burlington 2,400
6 Casella Waste Systems Rutland 2,300
7 Killington Ski Resort Killington 1,500
8 Mack Group Arlington 1,400
9 Huber+Suhner Essex Junction 1,250
10 Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Bennington 960

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Top Career Options in Vermont

If you’re considering changing your job or career after moving to Vermont, we’ve made a list of the top ten career options in the state. This list can help you streamline what career or job to choose if you’re moving to Vermont. Check out the list below:

Rank Job Title AVERAGE SALARY ENTRY LEVEL SALARY # OF PEOPLE
1 Dentists, General $261,790 $130,890 360
2 General Internal Medicine Physicians $207,920 $113,340 80
3 Family Medicine Physicians $204,300 $104,610 450
4 Psychiatrists $202,640 $55,340 80
5 Optometrists $145,150 $70,930 80
6 Architectural And Engineering Managers $144,730 $88,960 350
7 Chief Executives $137,600 $52,260 730
8 Pharmacists $135,650 $107,840 620
9 Physicists $126,170 $51,560 40
10 Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates $125,170 $57,380 60

The unemployment rate in Vermont

If you’re interested in getting a job before or after moving to Vermont, you’d most likely be interested in the unemployment rate in the Green Mountain State. Here are key stats of Vermont’s unemployment rate:

  • Vermont’s unemployment rate is 2.2%. The national average is 3.7%.
  • Vermont has recorded a significant job growth
  • Over the past year, jobs in Vermont have increased by 0.78%
  • Future job growth in Vermont is expected to hit 28.83%
Here’s how Vermont’s job market compares to the United States average:
Employment Information Vermont United States
The income per Cap $31,917 $31,177
Household Income $57,808 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 2.20% 3.70%
Recent Job Growth 0.78% 1.59%
Future Job Growth 28.83% 33.51%

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Top industries in Vermont

Vermont is home to several large industries. Some of the leading economies in the country are also propelling the economy of the Green Mountain state. If you’re moving to Vermont, here are the industries powering the state’s economy:

  • Agriculture
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Tourism
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Healthcare

Number of Households by Income Level in Vermont

Median Income in Vermont vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Vermont vs USA

Taxes in Vermont

Will you be paying more or less in taxes by moving to Vermont?

The easiest way to find out is to take a look at the Green Mountain State taxes. Here are the key taxes in the state since you’re considering moving to Vermont:

  • Vermont Income tax is 3.35% - 8.75%
  • Sales tax in Vermont is 6% - 7%
  • Property tax in Vermont is 1.86% average effective rate
  • The gas tax in Vermont is 12.10 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • The gas tax in Vermont is 28 cents per gallon of diesel

Best things to do in Vermont

The Green Mountain State is not a boring state. Moving to Vermont means getting the chance to participate in several exciting activities and visit as many attractions as you want.

We’ve made a list of the best things to do in the Green Mountain State since you’re considering moving to Vermont:

  • Hike to the summit of Camel’s Hump

    At 4,083 feet, Camels Hump is Vermont’s third-highest mountain and is also instantly recognizable and can be seen from so many different parts of Vermont — from Charlotte and South Hero to Stowe and Barre Town.

  • Tour the biggest granite quarry in the world

    The E.L. Smith Quarry owned by Rock of Ages in Vermont is believed to be the world’s largest monumental granite quarry. It encompasses 50 acres and is 570 feet deep. This quarry is now in reserve.

  • Go skiing on an epic ski mountain

    It snows heavily in Vermont and with as much as 25 feet of natural snow each winter, skiing is a major activity here.

    Here are some of the best skiing venues in Vermont

    • Okemo Mountain Resort
    • Stowe Mountain Resort
    • Jay Peak
    • Stratton Mountain
    • Killington
    • Mount Snow
    • Sugarbush
    • Smugglers' Notch
    • Bromley Mountain Resort
    • Bolton Valley
  • Visit a local farmer’s market

    Vermont has about 85 farmers’ markets spread across the state, offering bustling kiosks and stands that are a colorful Green Mountain twist on the European, straight-from-the-farm tradition. These markets offer fresh produce, baked goods, arts, and crafts of the highest quality - while connecting directly with the farmers and producers.

    A few must-visit farmers’ markets in Vermont are:

    • Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier
    • City Market/ Onion River Co-op, Burlington
    • Woodstock Farmers Market, Woodstock
    • Healthy Living Market & Cafe, South Burlington
    • Steeple Market, Fairfax
    • Dutton’s Farm Stand, Manchester Center
    • Vermont Meat & Seafood Market, Williston
    • The Uncommon Market, Montpelier
    • West River Farmers Market, Londonderry
    • Singleton’s General Store, Proctorsville
  • Shop at the luxury outlets in Manchester

    Manchester is Vermont’s shopping den with an impressive mix of locally owned boutiques, designer outlets, and a famous indie bookstore. You can hunt for fabulous and find great treasures on a single beautiful stroll.

  • Take a brewery road trip

    Vermont has more breweries per capita than any state in the US. Many of these breweries are hidden gems known only to a small number of devotees and you need to take a trip through the scenic locales of Vermont to encounter the best booze.

    Here are the best breweries in Vermont waiting for you.

    • Hill Farmstead Brewery
    • Lawson’s Finest Liquids
    • The Alchemist
    • Prohibition Pig
    • The Reservoir
    • Lost Nation Brewing
  • Stroll down a village street in the snow

    Vermont is filled with breathtaking small towns and exploring them is the best way to feel the real flavor of New England. In winters, these villages get drenched in snow and will give a different look and feel.

    Here’s a list of some of the picaresque villages in Vermont

    • Chester
    • Dorset
    • Grafton
    • Montpelier
    • Stowe
    • Waitsfield
    • Weston
    • Woodstock
    • Shelburne
    • Lincoln
  • Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

    Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory sits on a rolling pasture overlooking the Worcester Range. The guided factor tours explain the production procedure and differences in flavors. Sample tastings are also available.

  • Taste pure maple syrup from where it’s made best

    Maple syrups form one of the largest farm produces in Vermont that is no place better to taste it than the farms. Take a trip to the farms in Vermont to relish the best maple syrups.

  • See where Robert Frost wrote some of his most famous poems

    The Robert Frost Farm in Ripton is a National Historic Landmark and the 150-acre farm property is where the poet lived and wrote in the summer and fall months from 1939 until he died in 1963. There is a nineteenth-century farmhouse and a rustic wooden writing cabin where Frost often stayed.

  • Visit the baby (and adult) animals at Billings Farm

    Regarded as the finest outdoor museum in the US, the 270-Billings Farm is an ideal way to experience the spirit of rural Vermont. The carefully-restored 1890 Farm House hosts educational exhibits and interactive programs and events.

  • Road trip Vermont Route 100

    Running along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, the Scenic Route 100 Byway in south-central Vermont is often regarded as the most scenic in New England. The 217-mile state highway connects some of the best Northeastern skiing and riding destinations.

  • Stay in a cozy log cabin

    Staying at a log cabin and watching the foliage is the best way to experience Vermont. And luckily, there’s no shortage of log cabins here, ranging from lakeside cottages to mountain cabins to super off-the-grid, rustic cabin rentals. There are tiny house cabins, huge, elegant cabins, and everything in between.

  • Keep your eyes out for the Lake Monster

    The 125-mile Lake Champlain is regarded as the best lake in the state. For New Englanders, the lake is an important part of their culture and it has got about 50 beaches on its side.

How safe is Vermont?

How safe is Vermont? Safety is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to look at before making up your mind about moving to Vermont. Here’s a simple stat of the crime rate in the Green Mountain state:

  • Vermont has the fourth-lowest violent crime rate in America
  • Vermont has the eighth-lowest property crime rate in America
  • Violent crime in Vermont accounts for less than 1% of all reported crimes in the U.S.
  • Robbery account for 6% of all violent crimes in Vermont
  • About 40% of Vermont residents say the coronavirus pandemic has affected their safety
  • Vermont property crime rate is 33% lower than the national average
  • Burglaries account for 14% of all property crime rate in Vermont
  • Car theft accounts for 3% of all property crime rate in Vermont
  VIOLENT PROPERTY TOTAL
Number of Crimes 1,262 8,888 10,150
Crime Rate(per 1,000 residents) 2.02 14.24 16.27

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10 Safest Cities in Vermont

Moving to Vermont most likely means living in the safest cities in the Green Mountain State. Generally, property and violent crime rates in Vermont are lower than the national average.

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1 Barre Town, VT 7,679 78 872
2 Essex, VT 22,213 85 1,287
3 Milton, VT 11,064 99 1,057
4 Shelburne, VT 7,857 12 1,400
5 Swanton, VT 6,595 151 909
6 Northfield, VT 5,990 217 617
7 Colchester, VT 17,548 148 1,333
8 Williston, VT 10,026 79 2,044
9 Middlebury, VT 8,776 182 1,344
10 Montpelier, VT 7,386 148 2,315

Best Schools & Universities in Vermont

Moving to Vermont most likely means getting the chance to attend some of the best schools in the state.

The Green Mountain State is home to some of the best colleges, elementary, middle, and high schools in the United States.

We’ve made a list of the best schools in the state since you’re considering moving to Vermont.

Schools in Vermont spend $18,692 per student. The national average is $12,383. Also, schools in the state have 204 children per counselor, 212 students per librarian, and 11 pupils per teacher. Here are key stats about the state’s elementary, middle, and high schools if you’re moving to Vermont:

Education Vermont United States
Expend. per Student $18,692 $12,383
Educ. Expend. per Student $15,113 $10,574
Instr. Expend. per Student $9,625 $6,428
Pupil/Teacher Ratio 11.2 16.8
Students per Librarian 211.9 538.1
Students per Counselor 203.7 403.2

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