Cost of Living in Washington County, Vermont

$1,094/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$293,900
Median Home Value
2% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$1,094/mo
2% below state average
Median Home Value
$293,900
4% above national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
28.0%
% 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 Washington County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Washington County$1,094/mo
Vermont Average$1,117/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,094/mo
Median Gross Rent
$293,900
Median Home Value
$1,470/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
28.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Washington County, Vermont

Washington County leads in income, not rent relief

Washington County has the highest median household income in Vermont at $79,853, edging the national median by $5,100. Yet renters spend 16.4% of income on housing—the state's best rate—demonstrating that strong earnings here translate into genuine affordability rather than inflated rent.

Vermont's affordability leader

Washington County boasts both the state's highest median income and the second-lowest rent-to-income ratio at 16.4%, beaten only by Orleans County. This combination positions it as the most balanced county for households seeking both earning potential and housing comfort.

Highest rents, offset by highest incomes

Washington's $1,094 median rent is the state's highest, and homeowners here face steep $1,470 monthly costs—the priciest in Vermont. However, the median home value of $293,900 and strong incomes justify these costs for buyers seeking investment-grade properties.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Renters allocate $1,094 monthly from a $79,853 income, consuming just 16.4%—the state's best ratio—while homeowners spend $1,470, or roughly 22% of earnings. This leaves Washington County households with the most discretionary income of any Vermont county.

For those who can afford premium prices

Washington County is Vermont's prosperity pocket: if you have strong earning power or remote income, you'll find quality housing stock and the state's best affordability safety net. Move here for mountain scenery, cultural assets, and the financial breathing room that comes with higher incomes.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County

$

Rent Burden

16.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,863

per month

Owner Cost Burden

22.1%

of gross income

The median home in Washington County may be a stretch

Median home value is $293,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,346 vs. your max of $1,863.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.4%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington County, Vermont?
Washington County, Vermont has a median monthly rent of $1,094/mo and a median home value of $293,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Washington County?
The median gross rent in Washington County is $1,094/mo. This is 2% below state average for Vermont.
Is Washington County affordable?
Washington County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Washington County's rent compare to the state average?
Washington County's median rent of $1,094/mo is 2% below state average of $1,117/mo for Vermont.
What is the median home value in Washington County?
The median home value in Washington County, Vermont is $293,900. This is 4% above the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.