Burlington, VT
Population 44,649 · Vermont
About Burlington, VT
Burlington is a mid-sized city located in Vermont with a population of 44,649 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,854 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Burlington features a median home value of $400,200, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places Burlington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,609, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,339 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (7,037 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (10,654 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Burlington shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Burlington have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.5% of Burlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Burlington Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in Burlington, VT
Compared to national averages, Burlington has a median household income of $68,854 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $400,200, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,609 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, Burlington's income is 6% below the state average of $72,974, and home values are 56% above the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in Burlington, VT?
Burlington offers a well-educated community where 60.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,854) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $400,200. However, Burlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Burlington has a population of 44,649 with a median age of 26.7 years. Compare Burlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near Burlington
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Burlington | 20,488 | $97,229 | $399,600 | Compare |
| Rutland | 15,747 | $55,000 | $176,400 | Compare |
| Essex Junction | 10,720 | $94,423 | $376,800 | Compare |
| Bennington | 8,888 | $53,839 | $185,100 | Compare |
| 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 |
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 Burlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Burlington
What is the population of Burlington, VT?
The population of Burlington, VT is 44,649 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Vermont.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, VT is $68,854 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington, VT is $400,200, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Burlington?
The median monthly rent in Burlington, VT is $1,609, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Burlington?
The unemployment rate in Burlington, VT is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Burlington, VT a good place to live?
Burlington offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,649 and a median age of 26.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Burlington, VT?
60.5% of residents in Burlington 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 Burlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Burlington, VT: median home value is $400,200 (63% above national), median rent is $1,609/month, and median household income is $68,854. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Burlington?
The poverty rate in Burlington, VT is 23.0%, 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 Burlington, VT?
Burlington's population is 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.