VermontPop. 44,675Small cities
Is Burlington a Good Place to Live? Burlington, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Burlington ranks #202 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #4 of 184), and trails on high rents ($1,649/mo, #175 of 208) and high living costs (100.9, #173 of 208).
Burlington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Burlington'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 Burlington?
Burlington's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,649/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,341, 28% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 98 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $509,341#829 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,329/mo#847 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $444,800#879 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,649/mo#827 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 27.8%#1185 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Burlington 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. Burlington is in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Burlington safe?
Burlington recorded 483 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% above the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #817 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 4,103 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 483#817 of 1,085 | 214 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 4,103#1052 of 1,085 | 1,419 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Burlington?
The median household in Burlington earns $71,109, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $71,109#793 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.3%#15 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.5%#1127 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | -0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Burlington?
The median resident of Burlington is 26.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 26.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 60.5%#119 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 41.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Burlington's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Burlington; its public schools have 11.8 students per teacher and spend $29,715 per pupil. 23.1% of adults are obese and 5.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.8#68 of 1,188 | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $29,715#15 of 1,188 | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 23.1%#68 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 5.4%#11 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.9%#243 of 1,311 | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 3,477 students are enrolled in Burlington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Burlington?
The average commute in Burlington is 18.7 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 5.3% of workers take transit and 19% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Burlington scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.2°F and winters 24°F, with 37.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.7 min#235 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 45.6% | 67.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 5.3% | 1.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 17% | 5.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 4.9% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 19% | 16% | 10% | — |
| 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 28.9 | 12.9 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 31.5 | 14.3 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 40.9 | 23.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 35.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 69 | 47.8 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 57.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 82.4 | 62.4 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 60.7 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 52.9 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 41.8 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 46.4 | 32.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 35 | 21.3 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington International Airport.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 70.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 24°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 37.5 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Burlington?
Chittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#129 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Chittenden County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Chittenden County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0045% | 63% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0015% | 54% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% 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 Burlington compare with similar-size cities?
Burlington is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 44,675.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #281 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 | 22.8 min |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #386 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 | 27 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #1071 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 | 20.7 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 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 Burlington compare with the rest of Vermont?
Burlington ranks #9 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 14% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above 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 Burlington's score calculated?
Burlington scores 64.4 out of 100, #202 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Burlington. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Burlington's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
46.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Burlington. Similar-size median 52.2.
74.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Burlington's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.4.
94.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Burlington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
58.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Burlington. Similar-size median 46.7.
33.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Burlington. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Burlington. Similar-size median 47.3.
86.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Burlington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
78.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Burlington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Burlington 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 Burlington
Is Burlington, VT a good place to live?
Burlington ranks #202 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #4 of 184), and trails on high rents ($1,649/mo, #175 of 208) and high living costs (100.9, #173 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Burlington?
Burlington's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,649/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,341, 28% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Burlington?
Burlington recorded 483 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% above the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #817 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #137 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 4,103 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household in Burlington earns $71,109, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Burlington?
Median rent in Burlington is $1,649/mo (Census), #827 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,329/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Burlington?
The typical home value in Burlington is $509,341, down 1.8% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $444,800.
How are the public schools in Burlington?
There is no city graduation rate for Burlington; its public schools have 11.8 students per teacher and spend $29,715 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Burlington?
The average commute is 18.7 minutes, #235 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Burlington?
Burlington averages 47.6°F over the year, 70.2°F in summer and 24°F in winter, with 37.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Burlington walkable?
Burlington 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 Burlington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Burlington?
Chittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Burlington?
Burlington has 44,675 residents. The median resident of Burlington is 26.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Burlington compare with the rest of Vermont?
Burlington ranks #9 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 14% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Burlington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Burlington's population of 44,675 are Gainesville, GA (#688 overall), Bountiful, UT (#281 overall), Lebanon, TN (#386 overall), Pearl City, HI (#331 overall), and Fond du Lac, WI (#612 overall). Burlington is #202.