Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Dorset, VT
Considering a move to South Dorset, VT? This charming small town of about 1,200 residents offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with a median home price around $355,000 and typical rents near $1,200. Crime rates are low, commuting is easy with an average of 23.5 minutes, and local schools feature low student-teacher ratios. Enjoy four seasons with mild summers and snowy winters, plus access to quality healthcare and abundant outdoor recreation—all in a friendly, close-knit community.
Demographics - South Dorset, VT
Demographics - South Dorset, VT
South Dorset is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,200 residents, featuring a median age of 47 and a population density of 75 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and tight community atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
75 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Dorset, VT?
The cost of living in South Dorset is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.4. Median home values are around $355,000 and typical rents are $1,200, making housing costs a significant factor for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$590
State Taxes:
Low:
3.35%
|
High:
8.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.4
Grocery:
105.8
Housing:
112.7
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
104.2
Health Care:
102.6
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is South Dorset, VT a safe place to live?
South Dorset enjoys a low crime rate, with only 89 violent crimes and 635 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents benefit from a safer environment, with the chance of experiencing violent crime at just 1 in 1,120.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
635
Crime Index:
724
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,120
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 158
Weather
What is the weather like in South Dorset, VT year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in South Dorset, enjoying warm summers with highs around 80°F and cold, snowy winters with lows near 10°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 54% of the year, making it ideal for seasonal outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in South Dorset earn a median income of $68,000, with a low poverty rate of 7.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% of residents holding at least a high school diploma, and features an average commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$68,000
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,100
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
38.1%
Education
How are the schools in South Dorset, VT?
South Dorset offers quality education with local schools like Dorset Elementary featuring a low student-teacher ratio, while private options such as Maple Street School are also available. Higher education is accessible, with Bennington College just 16 miles away and Castleton University within a reasonable commute.
Public Schools
Name:
Dorset Elementary School
Street:
130 School Dr
Phone:
802-362-2606
Students:
155
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Private Schools
Name:
Maple Street School
Street:
322 Maple St
Phone:
802-362-7137
Students:
125
Colleges
Name:
Bennington College
City:
Bennington
State:
VT
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
780
Name:
Castleton University
City:
Castleton
State:
VT
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
South Dorset residents have convenient access to quality medical care, with major hospitals like Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Rutland Regional Medical Center nearby. The community boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.8% and a strong supply of physicians.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Address:
100 Hospital Dr, Bennington, VT 05201
Phone:
(802) 442-6361
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Address:
160 Allen St, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone:
(802) 775-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Dorset, VT?
The housing market in South Dorset is characterized by a median home price of $355,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 77.4%. The area has experienced steady appreciation, with a 6.1% increase in home values over the past year and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
For driver and vehicle services, residents are served by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Montpelier. The DMV offers comprehensive online resources, making routine tasks convenient for locals.
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.