Cost of Living in Bennington County, Vermont
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bennington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bennington County ranks #2,925 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington matches Vermont's affordability average
Bennington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% aligns perfectly with Vermont's state average, though its median household income of $71,494 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly 4%. This means Bennington residents pay a typical Vermont share of their income toward housing but earn somewhat less than the average American household.
Right in the middle of Vermont's range
Bennington's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average exactly, placing it neither among Vermont's most nor least affordable counties. With a median home value of $257,400, Bennington offers more modest housing prices than the state's western counties while maintaining reasonable rental costs.
Affordable rents, lower incomes than neighbors
Bennington's median rent of $1,063 is the lowest among its peers, undercutting even Caledonia's $904 less often than nearby counties like Addison ($1,201). However, incomes here are lower than most surrounding counties, which partially offsets the rent advantage in affordability calculations.
Split between renters and homeowners
Renters in Bennington pay $1,063 monthly while homeowners face $1,277 in mortgage and taxes, with median household income of $71,494 supporting these costs. Housing consumes 17.8% of the typical household budget—right at the state average and below the financially safe 30% threshold.
Balanced affordability for budget-conscious movers
Bennington delivers steady, middle-of-the-road housing costs without premium job-market wages, making it ideal if you value predictability and lower absolute rent. If seeking stronger income prospects, look northeast to Chittenden; if you prioritize rock-bottom costs, explore Caledonia or Essex.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bennington County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bennington County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,063/month in gross rent, with 35.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,063/month rent versus $1,277/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $214/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,729/year. With a median household income of $71,494, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Bennington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Vermont, Bennington County is less affordable than Lamoille County by roughly 5% ($1,063/mo vs $1,123/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bennington County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,668
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.4%
of gross income
The median home in Bennington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $257,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,055 vs. your max of $1,668.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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