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Is Milton a Good Place to Live? Milton, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Milton ranks #125 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #7 of 67), and trails on high rents ($1,471/mo, #183 of 231) and long commutes (25.1 min, #177 of 234).
Milton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Milton'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 Milton: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Milton safe?
What is the cost of living in Milton?
Milton'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 $1,471/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $460,777, 15% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Milton | 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 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $460,777#746 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $337,600#624 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,471/mo#701 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% | 22.8%#756 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.
Milton 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. Milton is in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Milton safe?
Milton Police Department serves 10,817 people across a larger area than Milton (population 3,555), so its rate is not a Milton rate and we don't rank Milton on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Milton?
The median household in Milton earns $77,550, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Milton | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $77,550#661 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.4%#19 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 10.1%#507 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 Milton?
The median resident of Milton is 47.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Milton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 47.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 69.7% | 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 Milton's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Milton; its public schools have 10.7 students per teacher and spend $25,369 per pupil. 26.7% of adults are obese and 8.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Milton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.7#23 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $25,369#58 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 26.7%#210 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.4%#138 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7%#256 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. 1,472 students are enrolled in Milton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Milton?
The average commute in Milton is 25.1 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0% of workers take transit and 18.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Milton scores 10.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #624 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69°F and winters 22.5°F, with 42.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Milton | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 25.1 min#787 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75.8% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 18.1% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.7#624 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 | 28.4 | 9.9 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 31.4 | 11.4 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 40.3 | 21.4 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 54.4 | 34.7 | 3.5 |
| May | 68.2 | 46.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 76.9 | 56.1 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 60.8 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 59.2 | 4 |
| Sep | 72.1 | 51.8 | 4 |
| Oct | 58.2 | 40.2 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 46.1 | 30.6 | 3 |
| Dec | 34.6 | 19.1 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Essex Junction 1 N.
| Measure | Milton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 42.3 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 Essex Junction 1 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Milton?
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 | Milton | 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 Milton compare with similar-size cities?
Milton is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 3,555.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milton, VTPop. 3,555 | #125 | 67.5 | $77,550 | $1,471/mo | county/metro | 25.1 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #704 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 | 15.6 min |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 min |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #782 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data | 26.5 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 Milton compare with the rest of Vermont?
Milton ranks #7 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 67.5 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 6% below the Vermont median. Homes are 15% 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 Milton's score calculated?
Milton scores 67.5 out of 100, #125 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Milton. Similar-size median 41.9.
63.2 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Milton. Similar-size median 56.5.
68.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Milton's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
97.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Milton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
65.2 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Milton. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Milton. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Milton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
51.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
78.1 - SafetyNot scored
Milton's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Milton rate.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Milton.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Milton'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 Milton 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 Milton
Is Milton, VT a good place to live?
Milton ranks #125 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #7 of 67), and trails on high rents ($1,471/mo, #183 of 231) and long commutes (25.1 min, #177 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Milton?
Milton'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 $1,471/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $460,777, 15% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
Is Milton safe?
Milton Police Department serves 10,817 people across a larger area than Milton (population 3,555), so its rate is not a Milton rate and we don't rank Milton on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Milton?
The median household in Milton earns $77,550, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Milton?
Median rent in Milton is $1,471/mo (Census), #701 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 22.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Milton?
The typical home value in Milton is $460,777, down 0.1% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $337,600.
How are the public schools in Milton?
There is no city graduation rate for Milton; its public schools have 10.7 students per teacher and spend $25,369 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Milton?
The average commute is 25.1 minutes, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Milton?
Milton averages 46.4°F over the year, 69°F in summer and 22.5°F in winter, with 42.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Milton walkable?
Milton scores 10.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #624 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 Milton 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 Milton?
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 Milton?
Milton has 3,555 residents. The median resident of Milton is 47.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Milton compare with the rest of Vermont?
Milton ranks #7 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 67.5 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 6% below the Vermont median. Homes are 15% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Milton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Milton's population of 3,555 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). Milton is #125.