Vermont Living Report — July 25, 2026

Vermont’s population of just 643,816 is scattered across rural towns and small cities, making it one of the most sparsely populated states in the country. Its median age of 42.9 reflects an older demographic overall, though the state continues to attract a steady mix of families, retirees, and remote workers seeking distance from metropolitan density. According to Finklick, which tracks data across 148 cities in Vermont, the financial reality of living here is rooted in a housing market that offers distinct trade-offs.

The median home value sits at $272,400, a price that feels approachable compared to coastal markets but carries the weight of some of the highest property taxes in the nation. For renters, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,149 per month. Against Vermont’s median household income of $74,014, this rent translates to roughly 18.6 percent of gross monthly income—a ratio well below the 30 percent threshold that typically defines cost-burdened households. This average, however, conceals steeper premiums in tourist-heavy regions like Burlington and Stowe.

The state’s job market is currently running at full steam. With an unemployment rate of just 2.5 percent as of June 2026, Vermont is experiencing a severe labor shortage. This tight market provides strong stability for workers in healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and the trades, though job seekers in highly specialized fields may find a thinner field of options. The poverty rate of 10.1 percent underscores that this prosperity is not universal, particularly in the state’s most remote reaches, where economic opportunity can be scarce.

What draws people to Vermont is a quality of life rooted in outdoor access, tight-knit communities, and distinct seasonal rhythms. Remote workers leverage higher salaries against the state’s cost structure, retirees seek quiet engagement, and families value the strong public schools and low crime rates. Finklick’s data across 148 cities paints a picture of a state where the median income supports a stable middle class, but the small population base means services, shopping, and conveniences often require a significant drive outside of the handful of urban centers.

Vermont’s outlook hinges on balancing these competing strengths. The low unemployment and favorable median rent-to-income ratio offer a solid economic foundation, but a constrained housing supply is struggling to keep pace with incoming demand, and the aging population presents a long-term workforce challenge. For those considering a relocation, Vermont offers a resilient, slower-paced alternative—one where the numbers tell a story of quiet stability, provided you fully embrace the trade-offs of rural life.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 25, 2026.