Benson, VT Utility & Living Guide

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Benson, VT Utility & Living Guide

Benson is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. The population was 974 at the 2020 census. The town is rural, with a concentration of several homes and businesses in Benson village, at the intersection of Stage Road and Lake Road.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Benson
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🌤️ Live Weather — Benson
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Benson, VT — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Benson.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Benson
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Green Mountain Power
🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Benson Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.75%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Benson is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices may vary depending on location and amenities. The town has seen some new construction in recent years, but overall, the market remains competitive.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.75%
<p>State 6% + No County or City tax</p>

Vermont has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3.75% to 8.95%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, broadband access, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Benson has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lake Champlain
  • 🎯
    Benson Town Park
  • 🎯
    Vermont Folk Life Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The town center and surrounding areas offer a mix of older and newer homes, with easy access to amenities and outdoor activities. The nearby lakefront properties are also popular, but often come with a higher price tag. Families may also consider the rural areas, with more spacious properties and a quieter atmosphere.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Benson based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Benson has zoning regulations and building codes in place to preserve the town’s rural character and ensure public safety

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📊 Benson — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Benson tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with an average increase of 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a decrease in utility costs, with a focus on cooling and water usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 05731 has a property tax millage rate of 1.75, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10, with explanation: Benson has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the town's rural nature and limited public transportation can make it challenging for families with young children to get around without a car.

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