Bennington, VT
Population 8,888 · Vermont
About Bennington, VT
Bennington is a small town located in Vermont with a population of 8,888 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,839 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bennington features a median home value of $185,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bennington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,095, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,135 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (2,136 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,659 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bennington shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bennington have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Bennington 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 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bennington Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in Bennington, VT
Compared to national averages, Bennington has a median household income of $53,839 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,100, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,095 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, Bennington's income is 26% below the state average of $72,974, and home values are 28% below the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in Bennington, VT?
Bennington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,095/month, and a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,839) that falls below the national average. However, Bennington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bennington has a population of 8,888 with a median age of 45.9 years. Compare Bennington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near Bennington
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barre | 8,461 | $53,288 | $200,100 | Compare |
| Winooski | 8,198 | $77,020 | $350,700 | Compare |
| Montpelier | 8,038 | $79,175 | $349,200 | Compare |
| Brattleboro | 7,793 | $46,972 | $239,500 | Compare |
| Middlebury | 7,145 | $74,900 | $388,100 | Compare |
| Essex Junction | 10,720 | $94,423 | $376,800 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 6,910 | $53,370 | $245,600 | Compare |
| Shelburne | 6,292 | $106,187 | $496,700 | 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 Bennington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bennington
What is the population of Bennington, VT?
The population of Bennington, VT is 8,888 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 Bennington?
The median household income in Bennington, VT is $53,839 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bennington?
The median home value in Bennington, VT is $185,100, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bennington?
The median monthly rent in Bennington, VT is $1,095, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bennington?
The unemployment rate in Bennington, VT is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bennington, VT a good place to live?
Bennington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,888 and a median age of 45.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bennington, VT?
35.1% of residents in Bennington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bennington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bennington, VT: median home value is $185,100 (24% below national), median rent is $1,095/month, and median household income is $53,839. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bennington?
The poverty rate in Bennington, VT is 12.4%, 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 Bennington, VT?
Bennington's population is 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.