Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shaftsbury Center, VT
Considering a move to Shaftsbury Center, VT? This charming rural community of about 3,500 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $318,000 and average rents around $1,150. The area boasts a low crime rate (violent crime just 72 per 100k) and short 25-minute commutes, making it ideal for peaceful living. Strong schools, beautiful Vermont seasons, and access to major healthcare in nearby Bennington round out the appeal for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Shaftsbury Center, VT
Demographics - Shaftsbury Center, VT
Shaftsbury Center is a close-knit rural community with a population of about 3,500 and a median age of 48, offering a tranquil lifestyle. The area is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents speaking languages other than English. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density make it an appealing option for those seeking a quiet, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
3,500
Density:
96 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shaftsbury Center, VT?
Living in Shaftsbury Center is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $318,000 and average rent around $1,150 per month. Utility and transportation costs are slightly above the national average, while the overall cost of living index is 105.8. State taxes are within a typical range, making the town accessible for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$318,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
3.35%
|
High:
8.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.8
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
98.5
Utilities:
113.2
Transportation:
108.3
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
103.4
Crime
Is Shaftsbury Center, VT a safe place to live?
Shaftsbury Center enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 72 violent crimes and 725 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The odds of encountering violent crime are much lower than the national average, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
725
Crime Index:
797
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 138
Weather
What is the weather like in Shaftsbury Center, VT year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging between 12°F and 32°F, and comfortable summers peaking at 80°F. The area receives about 41.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine around 60% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate classic New England weather.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $72,400 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 94% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the unemployment rate is a low 2.9%. With commutes averaging just over 25 minutes and minimal use of public transport, Shaftsbury Center offers a relaxed, neighborly environment.
Median Income:
$42,300
Household Income:
$72,400
Family Income:
$90,200
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
37.5%
Education
How are the schools in Shaftsbury Center, VT?
Shaftsbury Center offers quality public education, with Shaftsbury Elementary School providing a low student-teacher ratio for its 230 students. For higher education, Bennington College is located just 7 miles away, offering additional academic and cultural opportunities. The area’s strong educational attainment makes it attractive for families seeking a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Shaftsbury Elementary School
Street:
150 Buck Hill Rd
Phone:
802-442-2446
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Bennington College
City:
Bennington
State:
VT
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Healthcare access is solid, with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center close by and a high rate of insured residents (94.5%). The community benefits from a strong physician presence, ensuring quality medical care for families and retirees. The healthcare index of 77.3 indicates accessible and reliable services in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Address:
100 Hospital Dr, Bennington, VT 05201
Phone:
(802) 442-6361
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shaftsbury Center, VT?
The housing market in Shaftsbury Center is stable, with a median home price of $318,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,150, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and consistent home appreciation, making it a sound choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$318,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Shaftsbury Center are served by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Montpelier. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services, and helpful information is available on 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.