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Is Rutland a Good Place to Live? Rutland, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rutland ranks #514 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #85 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($185,500, #50 of 231) and short commutes (16 min, #54 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #141 of 151) and high violent crime (464 per 100,000, #123 of 146).
Rutland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rutland'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 Rutland?
Rutland'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 $995/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,406, 29% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Rutland | 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 | $282,406#331 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 | $1,513/mo#344 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $185,500#186 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $995/mo#206 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.7%#534 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.
Rutland 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. Rutland is in the Rutland, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Rutland safe?
Rutland recorded 464 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #800 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rutland Police Department. Property crime runs 3,107 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rutland | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 464#800 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,107#970 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 Rutland?
The median household in Rutland earns $57,675, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rutland | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $57,675#1093 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.3%#879 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.1%#1095 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 Rutland?
The median resident of Rutland is 49 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #674 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rutland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 49 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 33.4%#674 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 54.9% | 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 Rutland's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Rutland; its public schools have 16.2 students per teacher and spend $30,414 per pupil. 36.9% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Rutland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $30,414#10 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.3%#289 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. 1,939 students are enrolled in Rutland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rutland?
The average commute in Rutland is 16 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.6% of workers take transit and 8.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rutland scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.1°F and winters 21.6°F, with 40.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rutland | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16 min#97 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.6% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.1% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.3#280 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 | 29.4 | 8 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 32.1 | 8.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 41.3 | 18.1 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 55.2 | 30.6 | 3.1 |
| May | 67.9 | 42.2 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 51.5 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 80.3 | 56.4 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 78.1 | 54.4 | 4 |
| Sep | 70.6 | 46 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 58.3 | 35.3 | 4 |
| Nov | 46.2 | 26 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 35.1 | 16.3 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rutland.
| Measure | Rutland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 44.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 66.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 40.3 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 Rutland.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rutland?
Rutland County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rutland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Rutland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#189 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 Rutland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Rutland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.002% | 50% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0025% | 46% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0013% | 19% 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 Rutland compare with similar-size cities?
Rutland is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #85 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 15,712.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #514 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 | 16 min |
| Schofield Barracks, HIPop. 16,270 | #869 | 52.2 | $80,388 | $3,230/mo | no data | 10.6 min |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #628 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 | 17.1 min |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #813 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 | 10.9 min |
| Dayton, NVPop. 15,781 | #887 | 52.0 | $102,819 | $1,521/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #832 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 | 12.8 min |
| Clarksburg, WVPop. 15,549 | #1170 | 46.1 | $47,386 | $790/mo | 278 | 20.9 min |
| Glasgow, DEPop. 15,546 | #476 | 58.5 | $113,982 | $2,039/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #1299 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year | 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 Rutland compare with the rest of Vermont?
Rutland ranks #14 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 30% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below 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 Rutland's score calculated?
Rutland scores 57.9 out of 100, #514 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Rutland. Similar-size median 41.9.
51.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rutland's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
54.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rutland. Similar-size median 56.5.
51.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rutland's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
79.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rutland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
80.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rutland. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rutland. Similar-size median 35.2.
34.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rutland. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rutland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rutland'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 Rutland 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 Rutland
Is Rutland, VT a good place to live?
Rutland ranks #514 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #85 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($185,500, #50 of 231) and short commutes (16 min, #54 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #141 of 151) and high violent crime (464 per 100,000, #123 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Rutland?
Rutland'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 $995/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,406, 29% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Rutland?
Rutland recorded 464 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Vermont's 214. That ranks #800 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rutland Police Department. Property crime runs 3,107 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rutland?
The median household in Rutland earns $57,675, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rutland?
Median rent in Rutland is $995/mo (Census), #206 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,513/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rutland?
The typical home value in Rutland is $282,406, up 4.2% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $185,500.
How are the public schools in Rutland?
There is no city graduation rate for Rutland; its public schools have 16.2 students per teacher and spend $30,414 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rutland?
The average commute is 16 minutes, #97 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rutland?
Rutland averages 44.4°F over the year, 66.1°F in summer and 21.6°F in winter, with 40.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rutland walkable?
Rutland scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Rutland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rutland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rutland?
Rutland County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Rutland?
Rutland has 15,712 residents. The median resident of Rutland is 49 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #674 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rutland compare with the rest of Vermont?
Rutland ranks #14 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 30% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Rutland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rutland's population of 15,712 are Schofield Barracks, HI (#869 overall), Chubbuck, ID (#628 overall), Jamestown, ND (#813 overall), Dayton, NV (#887 overall), and Mitchell, SD (#832 overall). Rutland is #514.