VermontPop. 8,412Towns
Is Barre a Good Place to Live? Barre, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Barre ranks #852 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and high violent crime (533 per 100,000, #127 of 146).
Barre by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Barre's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Barre?
Barre's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,093/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,445, 22% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Barre | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.4#511 of 1,308 | 98 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $309,445#403 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,416/mo#270 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $210,400#260 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,093/mo#323 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20%#447 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Barre housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Barre is in the Barre, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Barre safe?
Barre recorded 533 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #868 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Barre Police Department. Property crime runs 3,849 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Barre | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 533#868 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,849#1035 of 1,085 | 1,419 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Barre?
The median household in Barre earns $65,625, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Barre | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $65,625#914 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.3%#998 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 of 1,132 | -0.3% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Barre?
The median resident of Barre is 42.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 36.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #579 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 36.1%#579 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 50.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Barre's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Barre to describe its public schools. 31.8% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Barre?
The average commute in Barre is 18.6 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 1.7% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Barre scores 14.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.4°F and winters 19.6°F, with 38.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Barre | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.6 min#231 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.8% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.7% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.3% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.5% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.8#57 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25.8 | 7.4 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 28.9 | 8.9 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 37.6 | 18.1 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 51.5 | 30.3 | 3 |
| May | 65 | 41.7 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 73.2 | 50.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 77.6 | 55.5 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 76.1 | 53.7 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 68.6 | 46.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 55.3 | 35.7 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 42.8 | 26 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 31.3 | 15.1 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Montpelier Airport.
| Measure | Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 38.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Montpelier Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Barre?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Barre's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#629 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Barre compare with similar-size cities?
Barre is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #156 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,412.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 min |
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #85 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 | 13 min |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #439 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data | 24.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Barre compare with the rest of Vermont?
Barre ranks #18 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 21% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Vermont home.
| City | Rank in VT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #1 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #2 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #3 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #4 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #5 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 |
| Winooski, VTPop. 8,293 | #6 | 69.2 | $79,522 | $1,643/mo | 272 |
| Milton, VTPop. 3,555 | #7 | 67.5 | $77,550 | $1,471/mo | county/metro |
| White River Junction, VTPop. 3,364 | #8 | 65.5 | $77,168 | $1,222/mo | no data |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #9 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 |
| Brattleboro, VTPop. 7,657 | #10 | 62.6 | $52,734 | $1,113/mo | county/metro |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #11 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 |
| Springfield, VTPop. 4,237 | #12 | 60.2 | $46,760 | $818/mo | county/metro |
| Northfield, VTPop. 3,766 | #13 | 59.9 | $60,789 | $997/mo | county/metro |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #14 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #15 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro |
| Wilder, VTPop. 3,087 | #16 | 55.6 | $75,143 | $1,142/mo | no data |
| St. Albans, VTPop. 6,954 | #17 | 53.1 | $57,980 | $1,150/mo | 735 |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #18 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 |
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #19 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 |
| Newport, VTPop. 4,394 | #20 | 51.8 | $54,646 | $850/mo | 395 |
All 20 Vermont cities we track, by overall score. Vermont statewide: median income $82,730, violent crime 214.4 per 100,000.
How is Barre's score calculated?
Barre scores 52.5 out of 100, #852 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Vermont's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Barre. Similar-size median 41.9.
48.0 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Barre's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
45.2 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Barre. Similar-size median 56.5.
54.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Barre's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
77.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Barre. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.8 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Barre. Similar-size median 35.2.
31.8 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Barre. Similar-size median 48.3.
52.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Barre's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
72.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
55.0 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Barre.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Barre's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Barre has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Barre
Is Barre, VT a good place to live?
Barre ranks #852 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and high violent crime (533 per 100,000, #127 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Barre?
Barre's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,093/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,445, 22% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Barre?
Barre recorded 533 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #868 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Barre Police Department. Property crime runs 3,849 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Barre?
The median household in Barre earns $65,625, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Barre?
Median rent in Barre is $1,093/mo (Census), #323 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,416/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Barre?
The typical home value in Barre is $309,445, up 0.6% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,400.
How are the public schools in Barre?
We have too few school records for Barre to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Barre?
The average commute is 18.6 minutes, #231 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Barre?
Barre averages 42.6°F over the year, 64.4°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 38.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Barre walkable?
Barre scores 14.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Barre at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in Barre?
Barre has 8,412 residents. The median resident of Barre is 42.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 36.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #579 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Barre compare with the rest of Vermont?
Barre ranks #18 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 21% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Barre?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Barre's population of 8,412 are Ellsworth, ME (#328 overall), Gering, NE (#672 overall), Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), Seaford, DE (#1167 overall), and Hanover, NH (#1 overall). Barre is #852.