Best Cities for Young Professionals in Vermont
Vermont ranks #10 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 65.8. Middlebury is its best city for young professionals at 73.1.
- Vermont, all states
- #10 of 50
- Population
- 7,220
Why Vermont Works for Young Professionals
Vermont ranks #10 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 67/100, reflecting a strong job market with 2.7% unemployment and a median household income of $82,730. Population decline of -0.29% may signal shrinking opportunity, though it can also mean less competition for roles.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 98, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Vermont's livability score of 49/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation infrastructure scores well (59/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Middlebury | A+ | 73.1 | 76.4 | 66 | — | 68 | 7,220 |
| 2Shelburne | A+ | 72.4 | 76.0 | 78 | — | 67 | 6,499 |
| 3Essex Junction | A+ | 64.6 | 70.9 | 70 | 68 | 51 | 10,803 |
| 4Montpelier | A+ | 63.4 | 69.9 | 66 | 39 | 66 | 8,014 |
| 5South Burlington | A+ | 62.5 | 69.6 | 77 | 39 | 62 | 20,756 |
| 6St. Johnsbury | B+ | 61.9 | 61.3 | 49 | — | 70 | 5,859 |
| 7Winooski | A+ | 60.8 | 69.2 | 65 | 40 | 68 | 8,293 |
| 8Northfield | B+ | 60.8 | 59.9 | 55 | — | 66 | 3,766 |
| 9Brattleboro | B+ | 60.3 | 62.6 | 49 | — | 69 | 7,657 |
| 10Burlington | A | 60.1 | 64.4 | 61 | 44 | 69 | 44,675 |
| 11Bennington | B | 60.0 | 56.7 | 47 | — | 73 | 9,245 |
| 12Milton | A+ | 59.6 | 67.5 | 63 | — | 51 | 3,555 |
| 13White River Junction | A | 59.5 | 65.5 | 37 | — | 73 | 3,364 |
| 14Springfield | B+ | 58.1 | 60.2 | 48 | — | 73 | 4,237 |
| 15Wilder | C+ | 53.9 | 55.6 | 35 | — | 55 | 3,087 |
| 16Rutland | B | 53.6 | 57.9 | 52 | 34 | 65 | 15,712 |
| 17Barre | C+ | 52.8 | 52.5 | 48 | 32 | 73 | 8,412 |
| 18Newport | C | 49.8 | 51.8 | 39 | 25 | 53 | 4,394 |
| 19St. Albans | C+ | 49.5 | 53.1 | 51 | 37 | 70 | 6,954 |
| 20Bellows Falls | C | 45.2 | 52.2 | 18 | 13 | 66 | 2,891 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Vermont for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont a good state for young professionals?
Vermont ranks #10 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 65.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (78/100) and its weakest is Growth (30/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Vermont?
Middlebury ranks #1 in Vermont for young professionals with a score of 73.1/100, followed by Shelburne and Essex Junction.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Vermont?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.