Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Burlington, VT
Thinking of moving to Burlington, VT? With a population of around 44,600, Burlington offers a vibrant college-town vibe with quick commutes (average 17 minutes) and a highly educated community—over half of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Housing costs are above the national average, with a median home price of $446,000 and average rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,675. The city boasts a lively downtown, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and four true seasons, making it a great place for education, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
Demographics - Burlington, VT
Demographics - Burlington, VT
Burlington is home to approximately 44,600 residents, with a young median age of 27.5, reflecting its strong college-town atmosphere. The city’s diverse population is predominantly White, with growing Black and Asian communities, and about 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a population density of 4,000 per square mile, Burlington offers a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
Population:
44,595
Density:
4,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.2%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Burlington, VT?
The cost of living in Burlington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 117.1. Housing tends to be the biggest expense, as the median home value is $446,000 and average rent stands at $1,675 per month. Residents should also expect moderate utility and transportation costs, and Vermont’s progressive state taxes range from 3.35% to 8.75%.
Median House Value:
$446,000
Gross Rent:
$1,675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$815
State Taxes:
Low:
3.35%
|
High:
8.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.1
Grocery:
113.5
Housing:
128.2
Utilities:
112.8
Transportation:
115.4
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
106.7
Crime
Is Burlington, VT a safe place to live?
Burlington maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common, with a 1 in 47 chance of being affected annually. The overall crime index suggests residents typically enjoy a safe community, especially compared to larger urban centers. Most neighborhoods remain secure, contributing to Burlington’s appeal for families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,129
Crime Index:
2,334
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Burlington, VT year-round?
Burlington experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 37 inches of rainfall yearly and enjoys sunshine 54% of the time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Residents can expect vibrant fall foliage and snowy winters typical of northern New England.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Burlington benefit from a close-knit community, where the median household income is $61,078 and over 95% of adults have completed high school. The city has a low unemployment rate of 2.4%, and commute times are short, averaging just over 17 minutes. Although the poverty rate is higher than average at 19.2%, the city is known for its welcoming atmosphere and educated population.
Median Income:
$35,350
Household Income:
$61,078
Family Income:
$92,800
Per Capita Income:
$34,100
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$35,100
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.7%
Rent:
$1,675
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
6.1%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.7%
Bachelors or More:
53.2%
Education
How are the schools in Burlington, VT?
Education is a strong suit in Burlington, with highly rated public schools like Edmunds Middle School and Burlington High School, both offering low student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College, attracting a vibrant student community of over 17,000. Local families benefit from diverse educational opportunities, from quality K–12 schools to renowned higher education institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Edmunds Middle School
Street:
275 Main St
Phone:
802-864-8486
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Name:
Burlington High School
Street:
52 Institute Rd
Phone:
802-864-8411
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Private Schools
Name:
Rice Memorial High School
Street:
99 Proctor Ave, South Burlington
Phone:
802-862-6521
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
University of Vermont
City:
Burlington
State:
VT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,500
Name:
Champlain College
City:
Burlington
State:
VT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Burlington offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by the University of Vermont Medical Center, a major teaching hospital with comprehensive emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, most residents have reliable healthcare options. The city’s healthcare index of 76.3 indicates quality and availability above many comparably sized cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The University of Vermont Medical Center
Address:
111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone:
(802) 847-0000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Burlington, VT?
Burlington’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $446,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,675. Homeownership is lower, with about 45% of residents owning their homes, and rental vacancies are scarce at just 3.1%. The city has seen a solid home appreciation rate of 6.1% in the past year, reflecting strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$446,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,675
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Burlington residents are served by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Montpelier. The DMV provides essential services including licensing, registration, and title processing, and can be reached by phone or through their official website. Access to DMV services is straightforward and efficient for local drivers.
State:
Vermont
Department:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603
Phone:
(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.