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Is Bennington a Good Place to Live? Bennington, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bennington ranks #603 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($191,700, #52 of 231), and trails on low household income ($54,257, #197 of 234).
Bennington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bennington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Bennington: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Bennington safe?
What is the cost of living in Bennington?
Bennington'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 $1,115/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $255,470, 36% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Bennington | 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 | $255,470#265 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 | $1,275/mo#145 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $191,700#201 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,115/mo#354 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% | 24.7%#971 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.
Bennington 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. Bennington is in the Bennington, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Bennington safe?
Bennington Police Department serves 15,075 people across a larger area than Bennington (population 9,245), so its rate is not a Bennington rate and we don't rank Bennington on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Bennington?
The median household in Bennington earns $54,257, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Bennington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $54,257#1166 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.4%#608 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Bennington?
The median resident of Bennington is 44.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bennington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 44.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 54.7% | 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 Bennington's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Bennington; its public schools have 16 students per teacher and spend $13,061 per pupil. 31.6% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Bennington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16#634 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,061#825 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.6%#510 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.8%#228 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. 1,316 students are enrolled in Bennington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bennington?
The average commute in Bennington is 17.2 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.1% of workers take transit and 12.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bennington scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.8°F and winters 25.5°F, with 38.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bennington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.2 min#149 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70.4% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.5% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.6% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.9#46 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 | 32.2 | 13 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 35.2 | 14.4 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 43.6 | 23.2 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 56.9 | 34.1 | 2.5 |
| May | 68.6 | 44 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 76.2 | 52.4 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 80.6 | 57.2 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 79.2 | 55.3 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 72.2 | 48.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 59.9 | 37.8 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 48.5 | 29.3 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 37.5 | 20.6 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bennington Morse State Airport.
| Measure | Bennington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 66.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 25.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 38.6 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 Bennington Morse State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bennington?
Bennington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bennington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Bennington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#477 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 Bennington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bennington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0063% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% 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 Bennington compare with similar-size cities?
Bennington is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #101 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,245.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 min |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #804 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 | 18.7 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #1228 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 | 10.5 min |
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #269 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 | 18.9 min |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 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 Bennington compare with the rest of Vermont?
Bennington ranks #15 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 34% below the Vermont median. Homes are 36% 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 Bennington's score calculated?
Bennington scores 56.7 out of 100, #603 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, 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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bennington. Similar-size median 41.9.
47.2 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bennington. Similar-size median 56.5.
60.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bennington's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
44.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Bennington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
78.3 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bennington. Similar-size median 50.8.
42.8 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bennington. Similar-size median 48.3.
54.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bennington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
65.7 - SafetyNot scored
Bennington's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Bennington rate.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Bennington.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bennington'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 Bennington 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 Bennington
Is Bennington, VT a good place to live?
Bennington ranks #603 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($191,700, #52 of 231), and trails on low household income ($54,257, #197 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Bennington?
Bennington'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 $1,115/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $255,470, 36% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
Is Bennington safe?
Bennington Police Department serves 15,075 people across a larger area than Bennington (population 9,245), so its rate is not a Bennington rate and we don't rank Bennington on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Bennington?
The median household in Bennington earns $54,257, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Bennington?
Median rent in Bennington is $1,115/mo (Census), #354 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,275/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bennington?
The typical home value in Bennington is $255,470, down 1.2% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $191,700.
How are the public schools in Bennington?
There is no city graduation rate for Bennington; its public schools have 16 students per teacher and spend $13,061 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bennington?
The average commute is 17.2 minutes, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bennington?
Bennington averages 46.7°F over the year, 66.8°F in summer and 25.5°F in winter, with 38.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bennington walkable?
Bennington scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Bennington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bennington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bennington?
Bennington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bennington?
Bennington has 9,245 residents. The median resident of Bennington is 44.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bennington compare with the rest of Vermont?
Bennington ranks #15 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 34% below the Vermont median. Homes are 36% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Bennington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bennington's population of 9,245 are Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Berlin, NH (#804 overall), Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Havre, MT (#1228 overall), and Bridgeport, WV (#269 overall). Bennington is #603.