Vermont is renowned for its natural splendor, progressive political values, and excellent standard of living. Nonetheless, not all parts of Vermont can be considered idyllic. Certain areas experience higher crime rates, lower incomes, and limited opportunities compared to others. In this article, we will explore five of the most worst neighborhoods in Vermont, relying on data from various sources.
1. Newport
Newport, situated in Orleans County on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, is a small city in Vermont with approximately 4,300 residents. Despite its picturesque location, Newport faces economic challenges, being known for having the highest unemployment rate in the state, currently at 5.8%, surpassing the national average. The city’s financial situation is reflected in its median household income of just $32,000, barely above the poverty threshold for a family of four.
Housing affordability is also a concern in Newport, with the median home value standing at $117,700, making it the sixth lowest in Vermont. Additionally, the city experiences a relatively higher crime rate compared to others in the state, ranking ninth with a 1 in 142 chance of falling victim to a violent or property-related crime. Despite these difficulties, Newport’s community continues to strive for improvement and development.
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2. Springfield
Springfield, a town in Windsor County, sits close to the Connecticut River and is one of the larger towns in Vermont with a population of approximately 9,000 residents. Despite its size, Springfield faces economic challenges, boasting one of the lowest median household incomes in the state at $40,000. Additionally, the median home value stands at $140,800, ranking it as the eighth lowest in Vermont.
Unfortunately, Springfield also struggles with a high crime rate compared to other areas in Vermont. The likelihood of being a victim of a violent or property crime is 1 in 286, making it one of the areas with higher crime rates in the state. In a 2016 ranking conducted by RoadSnacks, Springfield was identified as the most dangerous place to live in Vermont.
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3. St. Albans
St. Albans, situated in Franklin County near Lake Champlain, is a city with a population of approximately 6,800 people, making it one of the smaller cities in Vermont. However, despite its size, it faces significant challenges, including a high poverty rate of 18.7%, which is one of the highest in the state. The median household income in St. Albans is $47,000, below the state average, and the median home value stands at $173,500, also below the state average.
One concerning aspect of living in St. Albans is its high crime rate, where residents have a 1 in 173 chance of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime. This crime rate places the city among the highest in Vermont for such incidents. In fact, in 2022, St. Albans was ranked as the most dangerous city to live in within Vermont by RoadSnacks.
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4. Brattleboro
Brattleboro, situated in Windham County near the New Hampshire border, is a town with a population of approximately 11,000 residents, making it one of Vermont’s larger towns. However, despite its size, it faces economic challenges as it possesses one of the lowest median household incomes in the state, amounting to $42,000. The median home value is also below the state average, standing at $192,800.
Moreover, Brattleboro experiences a higher crime rate compared to other areas in Vermont, with a 1 in 286 chance of falling victim to a violent or property crime. In 2023, Money Inc. ranked Brattleboro as the fifth-worst place to live in Vermont, likely considering these factors in their assessment.
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5. Rutland
Rutland, situated in Rutland County and close to the Green Mountains, is a city with a population of approximately 15,000 people, ranking as the third largest in Vermont. Despite its size, it faces economic challenges, as reflected in its relatively low median household income of $44,000, one of the lowest in the state. The median home value in Rutland is $147,600, making it the seventh lowest in Vermont.
Safety is also a concern in Rutland, as it has one of the highest crime rates in the state. Residents face a 1 in 173 chance of experiencing a violent or property crime. These factors contribute to Rutland’s ranking as the fourth worst place to live in Vermont, as reported by Money Inc in 2023.
Final Words
Here are the five neighborhoods in Vermont that are considered the most challenging, based on information from various sources. However, it’s important to note that this classification doesn’t imply that these areas are without hope or devoid of any positive aspects.
Every neighborhood has its unique history, culture, and potential. With increased investment, development, and community involvement, there is a possibility for these neighborhoods to enhance their quality of life and become more appealing places to reside.
