Cost of Living in Franklin County, Vermont

$1,164/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$285,500

Median Home Value

4% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,164/mo

4% above state average

Median Home Value

$285,500

1% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Franklin County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Franklin County$1,164/mo

Vermont Average$1,117/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,164/mo

Median Gross Rent

$285,500

Median Home Value

$1,525/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Vermont

Solid incomes, modest housing costs

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits just below Vermont's state average of 17.8%, while its median household income of $79,078 exceeds the national average of $74,755 by 5%. This positions Franklin as an above-average earner with typical Vermont-level housing burdens, offering a balanced cost-of-living profile.

Middle-ground affordability in Vermont

Franklin ranks squarely in Vermont's middle tier with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio matching the state average and a median income of $79,078 that's solid statewide. Its median home value of $285,500 reflects middle-market pricing, making Franklin a steady choice without extreme affordability or cost pressures.

Higher income offsets slightly higher rents

Franklin's median rent of $1,164 is higher than Addison ($1,201) but lower than Chittenden ($1,590), while its median home value of $285,500 aligns with Lamoille ($285,200) and trails Addison ($333,700). With stronger incomes than most neighbors, Franklin's housing burden feels lighter despite mid-range absolute costs.

Balanced costs and wages throughout

Renters spend $1,164 monthly and homeowners $1,525 against a median household income of $79,078, consuming just 17.7% for housing. This leaves the typical Franklin family with roughly 82% of income available for other expenses—well above the financially recommended threshold.

The Vermont sweet spot for most relocators

Franklin delivers strong incomes relative to Vermont's standard without Chittenden's premium rents or Essex's wage challenges, making it ideal for families seeking balanced affordability. Compare to Addison for slightly better affordability or Chittenden for stronger career prospects before deciding.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,845

per month

Owner Cost Burden

23.1%

of gross income

The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch

Median home value is $285,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,279 vs. your max of $1,845.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Franklin County, Vermont?

Franklin County, Vermont has a median monthly rent of $1,164/mo and a median home value of $285,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Franklin County?

The median gross rent in Franklin County is $1,164/mo. This is 4% above state average for Vermont.

Is Franklin County affordable?

Franklin County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Franklin County's rent compare to the state average?

Franklin County's median rent of $1,164/mo is 4% above state average of $1,117/mo for Vermont.

What is the median home value in Franklin County?

The median home value in Franklin County, Vermont is $285,500. This is 1% above the national median home value of $281,900.