VermontPop. 7,657Towns
Is Brattleboro a Good Place to Live? Brattleboro, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brattleboro ranks #280 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.3 min, #47 of 234), and trails on high poverty (21.3%, #206 of 234) and low household income ($52,734, #205 of 234).
Brattleboro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brattleboro'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 Brattleboro: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Brattleboro safe?
What is the cost of living in Brattleboro?
Brattleboro'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 $1,113/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,175, 20% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Brattleboro | 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 | $321,175#436 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 | $1,611/mo#428 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $234,600#342 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,113/mo#352 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 25.3%#1030 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.
Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro safe?
Brattleboro Police Department serves 11,928 people across a larger area than Brattleboro (population 7,657), so its rate is not a Brattleboro rate and we don't rank Brattleboro on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Brattleboro?
The median household in Brattleboro earns $52,734, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 36% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Brattleboro | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $52,734#1187 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 21.3%#1157 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 Brattleboro?
The median resident of Brattleboro is 44.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #318 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brattleboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 44.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 47.2%#318 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 Brattleboro's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Brattleboro; its public schools have 10.6 students per teacher and spend $18,907 per pupil. 27.8% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Brattleboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.6#20 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,907#270 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 27.8%#260 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17%#634 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. 1,385 students are enrolled in Brattleboro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brattleboro?
The average commute in Brattleboro is 15.3 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.5% of workers take transit and 11.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brattleboro scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.8°F and winters 23.3°F, with 46.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brattleboro | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.3 min#70 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2%#55 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67.3% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 11.3% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 11.8% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.1#142 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 | 30.4 | 10.4 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 34.3 | 11.4 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 43 | 19.7 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 56.6 | 30.1 | 3.4 |
| May | 68.6 | 41 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 76.9 | 50.7 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 56 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 80.5 | 54.4 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 73.2 | 47 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 59.8 | 35.7 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 46.7 | 26.8 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 35.6 | 17.8 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Keene.
| Measure | Brattleboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.4°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 | 23.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46.1 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 Keene.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brattleboro?
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 | Brattleboro | 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 Brattleboro compare with similar-size cities?
Brattleboro is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #48 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,657.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brattleboro, VTPop. 7,657 | #280 | 62.6 | $52,734 | $1,113/mo | county/metro | 15.3 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #1165 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 | 20.8 min |
| Georgetown, DEPop. 7,660 | #1242 | 42.8 | $49,719 | $1,410/mo | 719 | 28.7 min |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #533 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 | 15.5 min |
| Old Town, MEPop. 7,470 | #477 | 58.5 | $51,585 | $989/mo | 0 | 20.2 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 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 Brattleboro compare with the rest of Vermont?
Brattleboro ranks #10 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 62.6 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 36% below the Vermont median. Homes are 20% 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 Brattleboro's score calculated?
Brattleboro scores 62.6 out of 100, #280 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 Brattleboro. Similar-size median 41.9.
48.9 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brattleboro. Similar-size median 56.5.
65.4 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brattleboro's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
80.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Brattleboro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
76.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brattleboro. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.8 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brattleboro. Similar-size median 48.3.
64.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brattleboro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
81.5 - SafetyNot scored
Brattleboro's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Brattleboro rate.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Brattleboro.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brattleboro'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 Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro
Is Brattleboro, VT a good place to live?
Brattleboro ranks #280 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.3 min, #47 of 234), and trails on high poverty (21.3%, #206 of 234) and low household income ($52,734, #205 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Brattleboro?
Brattleboro'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 $1,113/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,175, 20% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
Is Brattleboro safe?
Brattleboro Police Department serves 11,928 people across a larger area than Brattleboro (population 7,657), so its rate is not a Brattleboro rate and we don't rank Brattleboro on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Brattleboro?
The median household in Brattleboro earns $52,734, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 36% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Brattleboro?
Median rent in Brattleboro is $1,113/mo (Census), #352 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,611/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brattleboro?
The typical home value in Brattleboro is $321,175, down 3.3% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $234,600.
How are the public schools in Brattleboro?
There is no city graduation rate for Brattleboro; its public schools have 10.6 students per teacher and spend $18,907 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brattleboro?
The average commute is 15.3 minutes, #70 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brattleboro?
Brattleboro averages 45.4°F over the year, 66.8°F in summer and 23.3°F in winter, with 46.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brattleboro walkable?
Brattleboro scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro?
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 Brattleboro?
Brattleboro has 7,657 residents. The median resident of Brattleboro is 44.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #318 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brattleboro compare with the rest of Vermont?
Brattleboro ranks #10 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 62.6 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 36% below the Vermont median. Homes are 20% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Brattleboro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brattleboro's population of 7,657 are Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall), Wahpeton, ND (#735 overall), Moundsville, WV (#1165 overall), Georgetown, DE (#1242 overall), and Kenai, AK (#533 overall). Brattleboro is #280.