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Is Bellows Falls a Good Place to Live? Bellows Falls, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bellows Falls ranks #871 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (110 per 100,000, #30 of 146) and affordable homes ($195,600, #55 of 231), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #224 of 234) and a shrinking population (-1.1%, #141 of 151).
Bellows Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bellows Falls'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 Bellows Falls?
Bellows Falls'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 $1,038/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $236,340, 41% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Bellows Falls | 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 | $236,340#212 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $195,600#213 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,038/mo#252 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 22.2%#698 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.
Bellows Falls 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.
Vermont housing market →Is Bellows Falls safe?
Bellows Falls recorded 110 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 328 and 49% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #148 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bellows Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 843 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bellows Falls | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 110#148 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 843#153 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 Bellows Falls?
The median household in Bellows Falls earns $56,086, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Vermont ($82,730). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bellows Falls | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $56,086#1126 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 25.1%#1239 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.1%#1095 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 Bellows Falls?
The median resident of Bellows Falls is 41.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #890 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bellows Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 27.5%#890 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 50.7% | 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 Bellows Falls's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Bellows Falls to describe its public schools. 28.8% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Bellows Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.8%#319 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.1%#264 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 Bellows Falls?
The average commute in Bellows Falls is 20.1 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.9% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bellows Falls scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 24.3°F, with 47 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bellows Falls | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.2% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.9% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.6#225 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 | 30.9 | 12.5 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 33.2 | 13.5 | 3 |
| Mar | 42.4 | 21.3 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 55.5 | 33.4 | 3.8 |
| May | 66.9 | 43.8 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.3 | 53.3 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 80.7 | 58.2 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 79.3 | 56.4 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 72.1 | 48.7 | 4 |
| Oct | 59.6 | 37.5 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 46.6 | 28.4 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 36.1 | 19.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Walpole 2s Nepp.
| Measure | Bellows Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 24.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 47 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 Walpole 2s Nepp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bellows Falls?
Windham County's air had a median air quality index of 15, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Windham County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Bellows Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 15#23 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#504 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 Windham County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Windham County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0065% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% 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 Bellows Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Bellows Falls is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 2,891.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #871 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 | 20.1 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 min |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #782 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data | 26.5 min |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #877 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data | 31.7 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 Bellows Falls compare with the rest of Vermont?
Bellows Falls ranks #19 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 32% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 49% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% 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 Bellows Falls's score calculated?
Bellows Falls scores 52.2 out of 100, #871 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, some inputs missing · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bellows Falls. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
18.3 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bellows Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
93.7 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bellows Falls. Similar-size median 56.5.
60.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Bellows Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
79.0 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bellows Falls. Similar-size median 50.8.
18.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bellows Falls. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
12.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bellows Falls. Similar-size median 48.3.
48.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bellows Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
81.5 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Bellows Falls.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bellows Falls'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 Bellows Falls 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 Bellows Falls
Is Bellows Falls, VT a good place to live?
Bellows Falls ranks #871 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (110 per 100,000, #30 of 146) and affordable homes ($195,600, #55 of 231), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #224 of 234) and a shrinking population (-1.1%, #141 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Bellows Falls?
Bellows Falls'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 $1,038/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $236,340, 41% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Bellows Falls?
Bellows Falls recorded 110 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 328 and 49% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #148 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bellows Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 843 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bellows Falls?
The median household in Bellows Falls earns $56,086, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Vermont ($82,730). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bellows Falls?
Median rent in Bellows Falls is $1,038/mo (Census), #252 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bellows Falls?
The typical home value in Bellows Falls is $236,340, down 1.2% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $195,600.
How are the public schools in Bellows Falls?
We have too few school records for Bellows Falls to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Bellows Falls?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bellows Falls?
Bellows Falls averages 46.1°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 24.3°F in winter, with 47 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bellows Falls walkable?
Bellows Falls scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 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 Bellows Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Windham County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bellows Falls?
Windham County's air had a median air quality index of 15, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bellows Falls?
Bellows Falls has 2,891 residents. The median resident of Bellows Falls is 41.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #890 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bellows Falls compare with the rest of Vermont?
Bellows Falls ranks #19 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 32% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 49% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Bellows Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bellows Falls's population of 2,891 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). Bellows Falls is #871.