Barre, VT
Population 8,461 · Vermont
About Barre, VT
Barre is a small town located in Vermont with a population of 8,461 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,288 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Barre features a median home value of $200,100, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Barre in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,364 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2,070 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2,065 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barre shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Barre have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.7% of Barre residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Barre Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in Barre, VT
Compared to national averages, Barre has a median household income of $53,288 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $200,100, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, Barre's income is 27% below the state average of $72,974, and home values are 22% below the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in Barre, VT?
Barre offers affordable housing with a median home value of $200,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,288) that falls below the national average. However, Barre’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barre has a population of 8,461 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Barre with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near Barre
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winooski | 8,198 | $77,020 | $350,700 | Compare |
| Montpelier | 8,038 | $79,175 | $349,200 | Compare |
| Bennington | 8,888 | $53,839 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Brattleboro | 7,793 | $46,972 | $239,500 | Compare |
| Middlebury | 7,145 | $74,900 | $388,100 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 6,910 | $53,370 | $245,600 | Compare |
| Shelburne | 6,292 | $106,187 | $496,700 | Compare |
| Essex Junction | 10,720 | $94,423 | $376,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Vermont
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Barre With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barre
What is the population of Barre, VT?
The population of Barre, VT is 8,461 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Vermont.
What is the median household income in Barre?
The median household income in Barre, VT is $53,288 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barre?
The median home value in Barre, VT is $200,100, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barre?
The median monthly rent in Barre, VT is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barre?
The unemployment rate in Barre, VT is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Barre, VT a good place to live?
Barre offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,461 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Barre, VT?
32.7% of residents in Barre aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Barre?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barre, VT: median home value is $200,100 (18% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $53,288. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Barre?
The poverty rate in Barre, VT is 19.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Barre, VT?
Barre's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.