Bennington
Vermont

What stands out

Three things set Bennington County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the property tax rate is in the top 6% of American counties (1.78%), the average temperature is in the bottom 6% of American counties (44°F), and the share working from home is in the top 8% of American counties (14%). Within Vermont it ranks 8th of 14 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Bennington County, Vermont. 37,326 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +47).

Vermont has a graduated income tax reaching 8.75%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $5 million exemption. Property taxes fund schools statewide and are among the highest in the nation, with income-based adjustments for residents. The state has the second-smallest population in the country and no city over 45,000 people.

Money

The typical household here brings in $68,558 a year, higher than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,906. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 58% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home.

Vermont takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,919 a year.

Home

The median home costs $380K, pricier than 84% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,012 a month. Property tax is 1.78% of home value, roughly $4,317 a year on that median home, higher than 94% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 84% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There are 131 active physicians in the county, about 35.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 32 points. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Vermont law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 44°F, highs near 54 and lows near 33, colder than 94% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 19 out of 100, safer than 81% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 285 Mbps down, faster than 91% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 5 museums.