Best Cities for Young Professionals in Vermont
Why Vermont Works for Young Professionals
Vermont ranks #11 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 63/100, with 2.7% unemployment and a median household income of $74,919. Population decline of -0.3% 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 97, 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 56/100 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 | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Burlington | A+ | 68.9 | 68.4 | 74 | 80 | 65 | 20,488 |
| 2 | Shelburne | A+ | 60.8 | 67.5 | 56 | 50 | 53 | 6,292 |
| 3 | Winooski | A | 60.6 | 63.2 | 68 | 60 | 49 | 8,198 |
| 4 | Essex Junction | A+ | 59.5 | 66.0 | 74 | 42 | 37 | 10,720 |
| 5 | Middlebury | A+ | 59.5 | 64.2 | 42 | 50 | 53 | 7,145 |
| 6 | Montpelier | A+ | 59.3 | 65.4 | 66 | 37 | 34 | 8,038 |
| 7 | Bennington | B+ | 58.1 | 59.9 | 54 | 62 | 53 | 8,888 |
| 8 | Burlington | B+ | 55.3 | 57.5 | 62 | 43 | 39 | 44,649 |
| 9 | White River Junction | B+ | 55.2 | 60.2 | 42 | 50 | 53 | 2,878 |
| 10 | Milton | A | 55.1 | 62.0 | 46 | 50 | 53 | 3,510 |
| 11 | Wilder | B+ | 53.8 | 59.8 | 40 | 50 | 53 | 3,394 |
| 12 | Northfield | B+ | 52.8 | 58.7 | 32 | 50 | 53 | 4,165 |
| 13 | Springfield | B | 49.8 | 55.1 | 29 | 50 | 53 | 3,882 |
| 14 | St. Albans | C+ | 49.8 | 49.7 | 51 | 61 | 53 | 6,910 |
| 15 | St. Johnsbury | C+ | 48.7 | 52.9 | 31 | 50 | 53 | 5,945 |
| 16 | Brattleboro | C+ | 48.7 | 51.4 | 30 | 50 | 53 | 7,793 |
| 17 | Rutland | B | 48.5 | 53.3 | 51 | 39 | 38 | 15,747 |
| 18 | Newport | C+ | 47.0 | 52.2 | 40 | 34 | 37 | 4,413 |
| 19 | Barre | C+ | 46.5 | 52.3 | 46 | 31 | 34 | 8,461 |
| 20 | Bellows Falls | C+ | 43.9 | 53.0 | 34 | 25 | 35 | 2,851 |