Cost of Living in Rutland County, Vermont
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rutland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rutland County ranks #2,809 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rutland County, Vermont
Rutland stays just above national norms
Rutland County residents spend 17.9% of income on rent, marginally above the national affordability standard and nearly identical to Vermont's 17.8% state average. The median household income of $64,778 trails the national median by $10,000, meaning every rent dollar carries more weight here.
Slightly tighter than statewide average
Rutland County ranks just below the state affordability midline, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% compared to Vermont's 17.8%. While the difference is minimal, it signals that housing costs edge slightly ahead of income growth in this region.
Mid-priced between rural and urban options
Rutland's $965 median rent sits between Orleans County's $897 bargain and Washington County's $1,094, reflecting its position as a bridge between rural and more developed areas. Monthly owner costs of $1,217 are similarly middle-of-the-road among Vermont counties.
Careful budgeting required here
Renters pay $965 monthly against an income of $64,778, while homeowners carry $1,217 in costs—together representing roughly 18–23% of household earnings. Residents have less discretionary income than peers in richer counties, making budget discipline essential.
Consider if community comes first
Rutland County offers moderate pricing and genuine small-town character, making it ideal if you're willing to accept tighter affordability for strong local roots. It's a sensible choice for families with stable, local employment who value cultural amenities over maximum savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rutland County
Affordability Verdict
Rutland County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $965/month — about 17.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $965/month rent versus $1,217/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $252/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,157/year. With a median household income of $64,778, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Rutland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Vermont, Rutland County is more affordable than Caledonia County by roughly 7% ($965/mo vs $904/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rutland County
Rent Burden
17.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,511
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.5%
of gross income
The median home in Rutland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $218,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,744 vs. your max of $1,511.
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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