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Is Essex Junction a Good Place to Live? Essex Junction, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Essex Junction ranks #49 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and fast population growth (+2%, #19 of 151), and trails on high rents ($1,544/mo, #189 of 231) and expensive homes ($407,500, #186 of 231).
Essex Junction by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Essex Junction'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 Essex Junction: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Essex Junction safe?
What is the cost of living in Essex Junction?
Essex Junction'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 $1,544/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $407,500.
| Measure | Essex Junction | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 98 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $407,500#802 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,544/mo#749 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.8%#547 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.
Is Essex Junction safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Essex Junction alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Essex Junction crime rate or rank it on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Essex Junction?
The median household in Essex Junction earns $89,257, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Essex Junction | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $89,257#471 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.2%#7 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2%#100 of 1,132 | -0.3% | 0% | +0.5% |
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 Essex Junction?
The median resident of Essex Junction is 39.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 52.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Essex Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 52.4%#222 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.3% | 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 Essex Junction's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Essex Junction; its public schools have 11.7 students per teacher and spend $29,600 per pupil. 23.2% of adults are obese and 6.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Essex Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.7#65 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $29,600#18 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 23.2%#71 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.6%#38 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.4%#99 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. 2,288 students are enrolled in Essex Junction's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Essex Junction?
The average commute in Essex Junction is 19.2 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.7% of workers take transit and 16.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Essex Junction scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 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 | Essex Junction | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19.2 min#280 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0.4%#6 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.8% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 16.9% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.6#633 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 | 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 | Essex Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 24°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 37.5 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 Burlington International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Essex Junction?
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 | Essex Junction | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Essex Junction compare with similar-size cities?
Essex Junction is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,803.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #294 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #781 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 | 16.1 min |
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #50 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 | 12.4 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 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 Essex Junction compare with the rest of Vermont?
Essex Junction ranks #3 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 8% above the Vermont median.
| 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 Essex Junction's score calculated?
Essex Junction scores 70.9 out of 100, #49 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Essex Junction. Similar-size median 41.9.
69.5 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Essex Junction. Similar-size median 56.5.
81.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Essex Junction's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
94.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Essex Junction's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
61.3 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Essex Junction. Similar-size median 50.8.
61.6 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Essex Junction. Similar-size median 35.2.
67.5 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Essex Junction. Similar-size median 48.3.
59.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Essex Junction's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
78.1 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Essex Junction alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Essex Junction'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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction
Is Essex Junction, VT a good place to live?
Essex Junction ranks #49 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and fast population growth (+2%, #19 of 151), and trails on high rents ($1,544/mo, #189 of 231) and expensive homes ($407,500, #186 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Essex Junction?
Essex Junction'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 $1,544/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $407,500.
Is Essex Junction safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Essex Junction alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Essex Junction crime rate or rank it on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Essex Junction?
The median household in Essex Junction earns $89,257, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Essex Junction?
Median rent in Essex Junction is $1,544/mo (Census), #749 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Essex Junction?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Essex Junction is $407,500, #802 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Essex Junction?
There is no city graduation rate for Essex Junction; its public schools have 11.7 students per teacher and spend $29,600 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Essex Junction?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 0.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Essex Junction?
Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction walkable?
Essex Junction scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction?
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 Essex Junction?
Essex Junction has 10,803 residents. The median resident of Essex Junction is 39.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 52.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Essex Junction compare with the rest of Vermont?
Essex Junction ranks #3 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 8% above the Vermont median.
What cities are similar in size to Essex Junction?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Essex Junction's population of 10,803 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Cheat Lake, WV (#294 overall), and Lexington, NE (#781 overall). Essex Junction is #49.