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Is Winooski a Good Place to Live? Winooski, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Winooski ranks #79 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 234 towns and #6 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67), and trails on high rents ($1,643/mo, #197 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
Winooski by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Winooski'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 Winooski?
Winooski'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 $1,643/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $433,964, 9% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Winooski | 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 | $433,964#698 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 | $2,166/mo#786 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $381,500#741 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,643/mo#819 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% | 24.8%#980 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.
Winooski 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. Winooski is in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Winooski safe?
Winooski recorded 272 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 27% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #507 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winooski Police Department. Property crime runs 2,259 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Winooski | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 272#507 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,259#779 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 Winooski?
The median household in Winooski earns $79,522, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Winooski | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $79,522#626 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% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 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 Winooski?
The median resident of Winooski is 33.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #141 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Winooski | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 33.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 59.1%#141 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 35.2% | 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 Winooski's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Winooski; its public schools have 9.1 students per teacher and spend $33,225 per pupil. 23.6% of adults are obese and 6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Winooski | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 9.1#3 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $33,225#8 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 23.6%#88 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6%#19 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.4%#186 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. 750 students are enrolled in Winooski's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Winooski?
The average commute in Winooski is 21.9 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 2.4% of workers take transit and 16.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Winooski scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.2°F and winters 24°F, with 37.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Winooski | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 65.1% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.8% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 16.4% | 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 | 28.9 | 12.9 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 31.5 | 14.3 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 40.9 | 23.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 35.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 69 | 47.8 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 57.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 82.4 | 62.4 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 60.7 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 52.9 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 41.8 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 46.4 | 32.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 35 | 21.3 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington International Airport.
| Measure | Winooski | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 24°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 37.5 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 Burlington International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Winooski?
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 | Winooski | 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 Winooski compare with similar-size cities?
Winooski is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #16 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,293.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winooski, VTPop. 8,293 | #79 | 69.2 | $79,522 | $1,643/mo | 272 | 21.9 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 min |
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #85 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 | 13 min |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #439 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data | 24.4 min |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #824 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data | 21.9 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 |
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 Winooski compare with the rest of Vermont?
Winooski ranks #6 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 4% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 Winooski's score calculated?
Winooski scores 69.2 out of 100, #79 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 Winooski. Similar-size median 41.9.
65.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Winooski's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
73.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Winooski. Similar-size median 56.5.
79.0 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Winooski'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
Winooski's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
61.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Winooski. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Winooski. Similar-size median 35.2.
39.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Winooski. Similar-size median 48.3.
60.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Winooski's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
78.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Winooski'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 Winooski 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 Winooski
Is Winooski, VT a good place to live?
Winooski ranks #79 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 234 towns and #6 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67), and trails on high rents ($1,643/mo, #197 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Winooski?
Winooski'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 $1,643/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $433,964, 9% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in Winooski?
Winooski recorded 272 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 27% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #507 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winooski Police Department. Property crime runs 2,259 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Winooski?
The median household in Winooski earns $79,522, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Winooski?
Median rent in Winooski is $1,643/mo (Census), #819 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,166/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Winooski?
The typical home value in Winooski is $433,964, down 1.2% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $381,500.
How are the public schools in Winooski?
There is no city graduation rate for Winooski; its public schools have 9.1 students per teacher and spend $33,225 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Winooski?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Winooski?
Winooski averages 47.6°F over the year, 70.2°F in summer and 24°F in winter, with 37.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Winooski walkable?
Winooski 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 Winooski 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 Winooski?
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 Winooski?
Winooski has 8,293 residents. The median resident of Winooski is 33.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #141 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Winooski compare with the rest of Vermont?
Winooski ranks #6 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 4% below the Vermont median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Winooski?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Winooski's population of 8,293 are Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), Hanover, NH (#1 overall), Miles City, MT (#713 overall), Sitka, AK (#85 overall), and Greenville, RI (#439 overall). Winooski is #79.