Moving to Vermont statistics (2024 data)

How many people move to Vermont?

Approximately 26,743 people moved to Vermont in 2023, while 19,151 moved out. This represents a net gain of 7,592 residents. Compared to neighboring states like New York and Massachusetts, the Green Mountain State experiences less overall migration but enjoys the advantage of having more people move in than leave, resulting in net positive migration.

Though Vermont’s population has increased slightly within the past decade, it’s not among the most popular states for people to consider moving to right now. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Vermont ranked as the 27th most desirable state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Vermont

Despite data from several websites on factors like affordability and quality of life denoting Vermont as the 16th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, the sparsely-populated region has struggled to attract movers. In part, the state’s location in the Green Mountains has limited population growth, as Burlington is the only city with a population totaling more than 20,000 people.

Of those moving to the Green Mountain State, the majority are relocating to Burlington or the surrounding counties. Interestingly, the only city with a population higher than 50,000 people near Chittenden County and Franklin County is Montreal, Canada. Chittenden County, where Burlington is located, attracted the most new residents — adding 1,160 (0.7% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Franklin County added 1,043 new residents.

Newport, located on the opposite side of Northern Vermont, experienced the most rapid growth between 2020 and 2023. Though the town only added 716 new residents, this marked a 46.9% increase in population.

The top five regions in Vermont people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Vermont?

While Vermont doesn’t have a particularly high number of movers, the state has seen a surge in popularity since 2020. Between 2020 and 2021, the state experienced the largest increase in movers since the IRS began tracking state-to-state migration. Interestingly, over half of these movers came from neighboring Northeastern states like New York and Massachusetts. It seems that during the COVID-19 pandemic, these movers chose Vermont for its quieter lifestyle and outdoor recreation.

However, non-remote movers are still attracted to the job opportunities available in the state. The largest industries in the state are education and health services, government, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Collectively, these three industries employ just under 55% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is professional and business services, growing by 5.8% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Vermont housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,812.50 and a median home sale price of $385,600, Vermont renters and homeowners can expect to pay 8.3% less than the national median for housing.

However, at 1.83%, Vermont has the fourth highest property taxes in the nation. The tax rate here is roughly double that of Florida and Georgia. Connecticut’s tax rate (1.79%) is similar to that of Vermont.

In 2021, the average property owner in Chittenden County paid $5,992 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Vermont is much higher than in other states, with residents in Chittenden County paying the most.

Cost-of-living statistics in Vermont

Vermont’s cost-of-living index is 114.9, making it the 10th most expensive state in the nation. At $3.49, gas prices in the state are also 7% higher than the national average of $3.26. In part, these high prices are due to a general lack of oil production and conscious investment in green energy. With impressive renewable generation and a low carbon footprint, Vermont ranks as the No. 1 most green state in the country.

Despite the higher-than-average cost-of-living index, Vermont’s median household income of $78,291 is only slightly higher than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, the Green Mountain State does boast the second-lowest unemployment rate at 2.1%. That’s half the national average of 4.2%.

Overall, while Vermont’s unemployment rate is one of the best in the nation, the higher-than-average cost of living can be a challenge for new movers.

Who lives in Vermont?

An estimated 647,464 people live in Vermont as of 2023, making it the 50th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of only 354 people compared to 2022.

Vermont’s population is slightly more female (50.35%) than male (49.65%). In 2023, 326,028 Vermont residents were female, and 321,436 were male.

On average, Vermont’s population is also older (43.1 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 45 to 64 years, accounting for 27.5% of the population or 178,196 residents.

The vast majority of Vermont residents are white, with residents in this demographic accounting for 93.6% of the population or 606,164 people. This is then followed by Hispanic, Asian and Black residents, who account for 2.6%, 2.1% and 1.6% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Vermont

Not sure how to start your move to Vermont? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Vermont has the 10th highest cost of living in the U.S., but these costs still vary by region. Cities like Burlington tend to be more expensive than more rural areas across the state. Before making the move, take time to research the taxes, housing prices and utility costs for your desired location. You can use resources like Vermont.gov to help plan your budget accordingly.

2. Explore the job market

While many remote workers have chosen to relocate to Vermont since 2020, the state also offers in-person job opportunities in a variety of sectors. From education and health care positions available in Burlington to tourism in the rural Green Mountains, there’s something for everyone. Research job listings through the Vermont Department of Labor website to explore what’s available in your field before moving.

3. Prepare for Vermont winters

There’s a reason why all-wheel drive Subarus are so popular in Vermont. With the highest average amount of snowfall per year in the U.S., preparing for winter here is no joke. We recommend investing in high-quality winter gear, including insulated coats, boots and gloves, as well as snow removal tools. When searching for housing, prioritize homes with reliable heating systems. You can keep an eye on local Vermont weather here.

4. Research transportation options

Given Vermont’s rugged and mountainous landscape, personal vehicles are often the primary and most reliable form of transportation. Invest in a vehicle that can handle the snowy mountainous roads, and outfit it with snow tires each winter. In more urban areas like Burlington, buses and other public transportation options are available through Green Mountain Transit. Explore more transportation options and road conditions on the VTrans website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Though most Vermonters are safe from big hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires, residents should prepare for winter storms, heavy snowfall and occasional flooding. The state’s sparse population and mountain passes can make travel especially dangerous during severe weather events. To prepare before disaster strikes, sign up for weather alerts through the Vermont Emergency Management website.

6. Enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty

As the nickname the Green Mountain State would suggest, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing or simply taking in the fall foliage, Vermont offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visit the Vermont State Parks website to explore parks, trails and outdoor activities near your new home.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Vermont, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service