Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barre, VT
Curious about Barre, VT? This charming city of 8,386 offers affordable living with a median home price around $215,000 and average rents near $1,085. Barre features a short average commute of 22 minutes, low violent crime rates (162 per 100K), and access to Central Vermont Medical Center nearby. Residents enjoy classic New England seasons, a tight-knit community, and solid public schools—making Barre a welcoming place for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Barre, VT
Barre, Vermont is home to about 8,400 residents, with a population density of 1,850 per square mile and a median age of 41. The community is predominantly White, but also includes a small mix of other backgrounds, with nearly 4% speaking a language other than English at home. This balanced age distribution and cultural makeup contribute to a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
8,386
Density:
1,850 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barre, VT?
Barre offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $215,000 and average rents at $1,085, which are below national averages. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and Vermont’s state taxes range from 3.35% to 8.75%. This makes Barre attractive for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$1,085
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,375
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.35%
|
High:
8.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.7
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
80.2
Utilities:
106.2
Transportation:
90.8
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Barre, VT a safe place to live?
Barre maintains a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes at 162 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 617 chance of experiencing such an incident. Property crime is more common but still moderate for a small city, offering peace of mind to residents. Overall, Barre is considered a safe place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
162
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,425
Crime Index:
1,587
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 617
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Barre, VT year-round?
Barre experiences classic New England seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 10°F and warm summers peaking around 78°F. The city receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 58% of the year. These weather patterns support year-round outdoor activities and picturesque scenery.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Residents in Barre enjoy a median household income of $56,100 and a low unemployment rate of 3%. The community is well-educated, with over 88% holding at least a high school diploma, and most people face an average commute of just over 22 minutes. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 15.6%, the area remains close-knit and supportive.
Median Income:
$33,700
Household Income:
$56,100
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$1,085
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
21.4%
Education
How are the schools in Barre, VT?
Barre features strong educational resources, including public schools like Barre City Elementary & Middle School and Spaulding High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Nearby colleges such as Norwich University and Vermont Technical College provide higher education opportunities within a short drive. The city’s schools and proximity to post-secondary institutions make it well-suited for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Barre City Elementary & Middle School
Street:
50 Parkside Terrace
Phone:
802-476-6541
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Spaulding High School
Street:
155 Ayers St
Phone:
802-476-4811
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop John A. Marshall School
Street:
680 Laporte Rd
Phone:
802-888-4758
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Vermont Technical College
City:
Randolph Center
State:
VT
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Norwich University
City:
Northfield
State:
VT
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Barre offers strong healthcare access, anchored by the nearby Central Vermont Medical Center, which provides a full range of emergency and surgical services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable medical care options. The community’s healthcare index reflects solid service quality and accessibility.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Central Vermont Medical Center
Address:
130 Fisher Rd, Berlin, VT 05602
Phone:
(802) 371-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barre, VT?
Barre’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $215,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,085. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy 7.2% home appreciation in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a stable place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,085
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Montpelier. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and more, with convenient access either in person or online. For assistance, the DMV can be reached at 1-802-828-2000 or through their official website.
State:
Vermont
Department:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603
Phone:
1-802-828-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.