Vermont Living Report — July 19, 2026

It’s a state better known for maple syrup and fall foliage than rapid growth, but Vermont’s quiet appeal is drawing a steady stream of new residents. With a population of just 643,816, the Green Mountain State offers a distinct blend of rural charm and small-city living—but relocating here requires a clear-eyed look at the numbers.

Housing is the first hurdle. The median home value sits at $272,400, a figure that looks modest compared to many coastal markets, but it’s steep relative to local incomes. The median household income is $74,014 per year, which works out to about $6,168 per month. A one-bedroom apartment rents for a median of $1,149—meaning rent consumes roughly 18.6% of that monthly income. That’s well below the 30% threshold often considered a cost burden, making renting reasonably affordable for those earning the median wage. However, buyers face a different calculus: a $272,400 home at today’s interest rates would require a significant down payment and a monthly payment that can easily exceed $1,600, pushing the housing-cost-to-income ratio past 25%.

The job market offers a silver lining. Vermont’s unemployment rate in May 2026 was a remarkably low 2.4%, reflecting a tight labor market where employers are competing for workers. The state’s economy leans heavily on healthcare, education, tourism, and an expanding remote-work sector. That last group is especially relevant: Vermont has become a magnet for remote workers seeking space, slower pace, and reliable internet in its more connected towns. The state also attracts retirees drawn to its natural beauty and relatively low crime rates, as well as families looking for strong public schools—though the school system faces demographic pressure from an aging population.

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 148 tracked cities in Vermont.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 19, 2026.

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