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Is Middlebury a Good Place to Live? Middlebury, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Middlebury ranks #5 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (54 per 100,000, #9 of 146) and low unemployment (2.6%, #8 of 67), and trails on expensive homes ($417,400, #191 of 231).
Middlebury by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Middlebury'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 Middlebury?
Middlebury'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 $1,201/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,323, 13% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Middlebury | 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 | $450,323#734 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $417,400#828 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,201/mo#440 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.7%#136 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.
Middlebury 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 Middlebury safe?
Middlebury recorded 54 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 75% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #34 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middlebury Police Department. Property crime runs 997 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Middlebury | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 54#34 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 997#217 of 1,085 | 1,419 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Middlebury?
The median household in Middlebury earns $86,250, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Middlebury | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $86,250#517 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.2%#874 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 Middlebury?
The median resident of Middlebury is 23.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 61.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Middlebury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 23.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 61.9%#109 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 56.8% | 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 Middlebury's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Middlebury; its public schools have 14.2 students per teacher and spend $25,531 per pupil. 23.7% of adults are obese and 6.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Middlebury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $25,531#56 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 23.7%#94 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.3%#27 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.9%#142 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. 1,378 students are enrolled in Middlebury's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Middlebury?
The average commute in Middlebury is 14.6 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.3% of workers take transit and 19.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Middlebury scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.6°F and winters 21.3°F, with 38.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Middlebury | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 14.6 min#53 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 46.2% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 25.3% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2.3% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 19.1% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14#162 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 | 27.1 | 9.2 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 30.3 | 10.3 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 39.5 | 20.1 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 53.6 | 32.7 | 3.4 |
| May | 67 | 45 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.5 | 54.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 80.4 | 59.6 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 78.6 | 57 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 71.3 | 49.1 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 57.4 | 38 | 4 |
| Nov | 44.3 | 28.4 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 33 | 17.5 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cornwall.
| Measure | Middlebury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 38.7 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 Cornwall.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Middlebury?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Middlebury's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Addison County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Middlebury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#142 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 Addison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Addison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.004% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0038% | 58% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 34% 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 Middlebury compare with similar-size cities?
Middlebury is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #2 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,220.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 min |
| Pike Creek, DEPop. 7,129 | #89 | 68.8 | $139,635 | $2,262/mo | no data | 29 min |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 min |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #206 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data | 34.3 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 Middlebury compare with the rest of Vermont?
Middlebury ranks #1 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 76.4 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 4% above the Vermont median. Violent crime is 75% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 Middlebury's score calculated?
Middlebury scores 76.4 out of 100, #5 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; 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 · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Middlebury. Similar-size median 41.9.
65.8 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Middlebury's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
96.1 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Middlebury. Similar-size median 56.5.
77.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Middlebury's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
86.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Middlebury's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
67.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Middlebury. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.7 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Middlebury. Similar-size median 48.3.
89.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Middlebury's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
91.4 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Middlebury.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Middlebury'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 Middlebury 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 Middlebury
Is Middlebury, VT a good place to live?
Middlebury ranks #5 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (54 per 100,000, #9 of 146) and low unemployment (2.6%, #8 of 67), and trails on expensive homes ($417,400, #191 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Middlebury?
Middlebury'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 $1,201/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,323, 13% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Middlebury?
Middlebury recorded 54 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 75% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #34 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middlebury Police Department. Property crime runs 997 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Middlebury?
The median household in Middlebury earns $86,250, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Middlebury?
Median rent in Middlebury is $1,201/mo (Census), #440 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Middlebury?
The typical home value in Middlebury is $450,323, up 1.2% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $417,400.
How are the public schools in Middlebury?
There is no city graduation rate for Middlebury; its public schools have 14.2 students per teacher and spend $25,531 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Middlebury?
The average commute is 14.6 minutes, #53 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Middlebury?
Middlebury averages 45°F over the year, 67.6°F in summer and 21.3°F in winter, with 38.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Middlebury walkable?
Middlebury scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 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 Middlebury at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Addison County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
Who lives in Middlebury?
Middlebury has 7,220 residents. The median resident of Middlebury is 23.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 61.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Middlebury compare with the rest of Vermont?
Middlebury ranks #1 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 76.4 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 4% above the Vermont median. Violent crime is 75% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Middlebury?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Middlebury's population of 7,220 are Lander, WY (#699 overall), Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Devils Lake, ND (#1006 overall), and Laurel, MT (#846 overall). Middlebury is #5.