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Is St. Johnsbury a Good Place to Live? St. Johnsbury, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Johnsbury ranks #334 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #54 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($174,500, #44 of 231) and low rents ($912/mo, #56 of 231), and trails on low household income ($53,711, #202 of 234) and high poverty (19.7%, #201 of 234).
St. Johnsbury by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Johnsbury'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 St. Johnsbury?
St. Johnsbury'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 $912/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $174,500.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | 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 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $174,500#156 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $912/mo#103 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% | 20.4%#500 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 St. Johnsbury safe?
St. Johnsbury recorded 203 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 5% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #363 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #70 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Johnsbury Police Department. Property crime runs 1,906 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 203#363 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,906#669 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 St. Johnsbury?
The median household in St. Johnsbury earns $53,711, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $53,711#1175 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 19.7%#1102 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 St. Johnsbury?
The median resident of St. Johnsbury is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 30.7%#766 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 54% | 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 St. Johnsbury's schools and health?
We have too few school records for St. Johnsbury to describe its public schools. 31.9% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18%#857 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.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Johnsbury?
The average commute in St. Johnsbury is 19.2 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0% of workers take transit and 17.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Johnsbury scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.7°F and winters 21.7°F, with 40.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | 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% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 68.5% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.4% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 17.6% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.2#123 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 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 32.5 | 10.3 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 42.2 | 19.9 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 32 | 3.2 |
| May | 69.8 | 43.6 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 53.3 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 81.2 | 58.2 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 79.4 | 56.6 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 72.2 | 49.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 38.2 | 4 |
| Nov | 45 | 28.3 | 3 |
| Dec | 33.1 | 17.2 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Saint Johnsbury.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.7°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 Saint Johnsbury.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. Johnsbury?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in St. Johnsbury's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Caledonia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Johnsbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#406 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 Caledonia County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Caledonia County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.008% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.094% | 64% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 44% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 39% 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 St. Johnsbury compare with similar-size cities?
St. Johnsbury is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #54 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 5,859.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #334 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 | 19.2 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 |
| 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 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #180 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data | 18.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #1045 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 | 25.8 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 St. Johnsbury compare with the rest of Vermont?
St. Johnsbury ranks #11 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 61.3 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 35% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate.
| 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 St. Johnsbury's score calculated?
St. Johnsbury scores 61.3 out of 100, #334 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; education, 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 St. Johnsbury. Similar-size median 41.9.
48.7 - SafetyCity data · 16% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Johnsbury's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
80.1 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Johnsbury. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
St. Johnsbury's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
81.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Johnsbury. Similar-size median 50.8.
27.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. Johnsbury. Similar-size median 48.3.
59.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Johnsbury's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
69.5 - 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.
71.7 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for St. Johnsbury.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for St. Johnsbury.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: St. Johnsbury'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 St. Johnsbury 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 St. Johnsbury
Is St. Johnsbury, VT a good place to live?
St. Johnsbury ranks #334 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #54 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($174,500, #44 of 231) and low rents ($912/mo, #56 of 231), and trails on low household income ($53,711, #202 of 234) and high poverty (19.7%, #201 of 234).
What is the cost of living in St. Johnsbury?
St. Johnsbury'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 $912/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $174,500.
What is the crime rate in St. Johnsbury?
St. Johnsbury recorded 203 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 5% below Vermont's 214. That ranks #363 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #70 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Johnsbury Police Department. Property crime runs 1,906 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. Johnsbury?
The median household in St. Johnsbury earns $53,711, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in St. Johnsbury?
Median rent in St. Johnsbury is $912/mo (Census), #103 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Johnsbury?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Johnsbury is $174,500, #156 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Johnsbury?
We have too few school records for St.
How long is the commute in St. Johnsbury?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Johnsbury?
St. Johnsbury averages 45.5°F over the year, 67.7°F in summer and 21.7°F in winter, with 40.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. Johnsbury walkable?
St. Johnsbury scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 St. Johnsbury at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Caledonia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
Who lives in St. Johnsbury?
St. Johnsbury has 5,859 residents. The median resident of St. Johnsbury is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Johnsbury compare with the rest of Vermont?
St. Johnsbury ranks #11 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 61.3 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 35% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Johnsbury?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Johnsbury's population of 5,859 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), and Watford City, ND (#333 overall). St. Johnsbury is #334.