VermontPop. 8,014Towns
Is Montpelier a Good Place to Live? Montpelier, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Montpelier ranks #62 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and low poverty (6.5%, #51 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
Montpelier by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Montpelier'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 Montpelier?
Montpelier'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 $1,302/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $423,230, 6% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Montpelier | 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 | $423,230#677 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 | $1,455/mo#303 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $375,100#726 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,302/mo#528 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% | 19.3%#361 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.
Montpelier 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. Montpelier is in the Barre, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Montpelier safe?
Montpelier recorded 343 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #620 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #105 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Montpelier Police Department. Property crime runs 3,022 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Montpelier | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 343#620 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,022#955 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 Montpelier?
The median household in Montpelier earns $81,030, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Montpelier | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $81,030#599 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% | 6.5%#212 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 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 Montpelier?
The median resident of Montpelier is 42.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 66.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Montpelier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 66.1%#75 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 53.1% | 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 Montpelier's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Montpelier; its public schools have 9.9 students per teacher and spend $25,313 per pupil. 25.5% of adults are obese and 8.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Montpelier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 9.9#10 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $25,313#60 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 25.5%#159 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.2%#123 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 4.7%#47 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. 1,834 students are enrolled in Montpelier's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Montpelier?
The average commute in Montpelier is 18.1 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 1.8% of workers take transit and 26.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Montpelier scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.4°F and winters 19.6°F, with 38.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Montpelier | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.1 min#198 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 55.2% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.8% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 9.7% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 26.9% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.5#243 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 | 25.8 | 7.4 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 28.9 | 8.9 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 37.6 | 18.1 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 51.5 | 30.3 | 3 |
| May | 65 | 41.7 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 73.2 | 50.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 77.6 | 55.5 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 76.1 | 53.7 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 68.6 | 46.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 55.3 | 35.7 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 42.8 | 26 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 31.3 | 15.1 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Montpelier Airport.
| Measure | Montpelier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.6°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 Montpelier Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Montpelier?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Montpelier's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Montpelier | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#629 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 Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% 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 Montpelier compare with similar-size cities?
Montpelier is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #13 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,014.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 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 |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 min |
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #25 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data | 24.1 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 Montpelier compare with the rest of Vermont?
Montpelier ranks #4 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 2% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Montpelier's score calculated?
Montpelier scores 69.9 out of 100, #62 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 Montpelier. Similar-size median 41.9.
65.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Montpelier's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
63.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Montpelier. Similar-size median 56.5.
78.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Montpelier's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
100.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Montpelier's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
68.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Montpelier. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Montpelier. Similar-size median 35.2.
38.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Montpelier. Similar-size median 48.3.
77.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Montpelier's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% 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.
55.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Montpelier'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 Montpelier 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 Montpelier
Is Montpelier, VT a good place to live?
Montpelier ranks #62 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and low poverty (6.5%, #51 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Montpelier?
Montpelier'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 $1,302/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $423,230, 6% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Montpelier?
Montpelier recorded 343 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #620 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #105 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Montpelier Police Department. Property crime runs 3,022 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Montpelier?
The median household in Montpelier earns $81,030, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Montpelier?
Median rent in Montpelier is $1,302/mo (Census), #528 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,455/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Montpelier?
The typical home value in Montpelier is $423,230, up 0.8% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $375,100.
How are the public schools in Montpelier?
There is no city graduation rate for Montpelier; its public schools have 9.9 students per teacher and spend $25,313 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Montpelier?
The average commute is 18.1 minutes, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Montpelier?
Montpelier averages 42.6°F over the year, 64.4°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 38.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Montpelier walkable?
Montpelier scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 Montpelier at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in Montpelier?
Montpelier has 8,014 residents. The median resident of Montpelier is 42.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 66.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Montpelier compare with the rest of Vermont?
Montpelier ranks #4 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 2% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Montpelier?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Montpelier's population of 8,014 are York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), Ketchikan, AK (#506 overall), and Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall). Montpelier is #62.