Is Vermont a Wealthy State by Income and Net Worth
Vermont is not among the wealthiest U.S. states by median household income or per capita net worth, but it ranks above the national average on several well-being metrics. The latest Census Bureau data shows Vermont's median household income around $76,000, higher than the U.S. median of roughly $75,000, while the Bureau of Economic Analysis places Vermont's per capita personal income near $62,000, above the national average. The state's Gini coefficient indicates moderate income inequality, and the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances shows Vermont households hold a median net worth above the national median, driven by homeownership and retirement accounts.
Wealth in Vermont is concentrated in Chittenden County, home to Burlington and the University of Vermont, where median household income and property values exceed state averages. Other counties such as Washington and Essex have income and wealth levels closer to or below national medians, reflecting a mix of rural and urban economic conditions. Forbes notes that Vermont's cost of living is higher than many rural states but lower than major coastal metros, which affects how far wealth stretches for residents.
Top Companies, Employers, and Tax Environment in Vermont
Major Companies and Economic Drivers
Vermont's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, tourism, and specialty manufacturing rather than large financial or tech firms. Key employers include the University of Vermont Medical Center, Burton Snowboards, and Ben & Jerry's, while companies like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dealer.com contribute to the state's business base. Tesla's Supercharger network and SpaceX supply chain activity are not headquartered in Vermont, but the state's clean-energy incentives attract smaller firms in renewables and advanced manufacturing.
State and Local Tax Rates
Vermont imposes a state income tax with rates ranging from about 3.55% to 8.75%, among the highest in New England, and a 6% general sales tax with exemptions for groceries and prescription drugs. Property taxes are relatively high to fund education, and the state's overall tax burden per capita is above the national average, which can reduce disposable income for households and affect how wealth is measured after taxes.
Rankings, Data Sources, and How Vermont Compares
National and Regional Rankings
WalletHub and U.S. News rank Vermont in the middle tier of states for economic opportunity and wealth, citing strong health outcomes and education levels but modest median incomes compared to states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Colorado. The SEC's EDGAR database shows few major publicly traded companies headquartered in Vermont, which limits the state's presence in high-net-worth corporate rankings, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks Vermont's unemployment rate near or below the national average in recent months.
Key Takeaways for Investors and Residents
Vermont offers above-average income and wealth levels relative to many rural states, with strong public health and education systems, but it lacks the high salaries and concentration of wealth seen in major financial and tech hubs. For individuals evaluating relocation or investment, data from the Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and SEC filings provide a clear picture of Vermont's position as a moderately wealthy state with a high quality of life but limited top-tier corporate wealth creation.