Cost of Living in Essex County, Vermont
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Essex County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Essex County ranks #1,010 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Essex County, Vermont
Low income, manageable housing burden
Essex County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% slightly exceeds Vermont's state average of 17.8%, but its median household income of $58,985 is the lowest statewide—20% below the national median. This creates a paradox where renters face a heavier burden despite lower absolute rents, reflecting the county's limited wage opportunities.
Vermont's lowest-income county
Essex County confronts dual challenges: the state's lowest median household income at $58,985 combined with a 18.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average. Its median home value of $167,500 is Vermont's cheapest, but limited local income-earning potential makes housing affordability fragile for residents.
Cheapest homes, but tight income situation
Essex's median rent of $915 is the second-lowest in Vermont after Caledonia ($904), and its $167,500 median home value is by far the state's lowest. However, with median income of $58,985—substantially below all neighboring counties—Essex residents are the most income-constrained in the region.
Low costs meet low paychecks
Renters pay just $915 monthly and homeowners $938, among Vermont's cheapest, but against a median income of $58,985, these costs consume 18.6% of household budgets. While technically manageable, Essex's limited wage-earning opportunities mean housing stability depends heavily on employment stability or outside income sources.
Only choose Essex if you have alternative income
Essex offers rock-bottom housing costs and is Vermont's last affordable frontier, but chronic low local incomes make it risky for job-seekers relocating without remote work or savings. If you're retiring, working remotely, or have guaranteed alternative income, Essex's cheap homes and rents are unbeatable; otherwise, consider Caledonia's better affordability balance.
Cost of Living Advisory: Essex County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Essex County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $915/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Essex County pay $915/month on average, compared to $938/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,200/year. With a median household income of $58,985, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Essex County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Essex County sits 13% less expensive than Windham County ($1,056/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Essex County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,376
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Essex County
Median home value is $167,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,337 vs. your max of $1,376.
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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