South Burlington, VT
Population 20,488 · Vermont
About South Burlington, VT
South Burlington is a mid-sized city located in Vermont with a population of 20,488 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,229 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Burlington features a median home value of $399,600, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Burlington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,755, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,587 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (5,590 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (3,717 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Burlington shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Burlington have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
65.1% of South 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 0.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 11.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Burlington Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in South Burlington, VT
Compared to national averages, South Burlington has a median household income of $97,229 (29% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $399,600, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,755 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, South Burlington's income is 33% above the state average of $72,974, and home values are 56% above the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in South Burlington, VT?
South Burlington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,229, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 65.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $399,600. However, South Burlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Burlington has a population of 20,488 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare South Burlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near South Burlington
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Middlebury | 7,145 | $74,900 | $388,100 | 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 South Burlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Burlington
What is the population of South Burlington, VT?
The population of South Burlington, VT is 20,488 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 South Burlington?
The median household income in South Burlington, VT is $97,229 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Burlington?
The median home value in South Burlington, VT is $399,600, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Burlington?
The median monthly rent in South Burlington, VT is $1,755, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Burlington?
The unemployment rate in South Burlington, VT is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Burlington, VT a good place to live?
South Burlington offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,488 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Burlington, VT?
65.1% of residents in South 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 South Burlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Burlington, VT: median home value is $399,600 (63% above national), median rent is $1,755/month, and median household income is $97,229. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Burlington?
The poverty rate in South Burlington, VT is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Burlington, VT?
South Burlington's population is 0.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 11.5% of residents are foreign-born.