Vermont Residents Express Growing Concerns About Affordability, Impacting Local Communities

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Recent survey data indicates that many residents in Bennington County and surrounding areas are increasingly worried about the affordability of living in Vermont. According to findings from the University of New Hampshire’s “States of Opinion” project, nearly four in ten Vermonters are considering leaving the state within the next five years due to high housing costs and living expenses.

The report, published on July 7, highlights that only 13 percent of respondents feel Vermont is affordable, a figure that has dropped since 2024. Young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are most likely to consider relocating, with nearly two-thirds expressing concerns about the cost of living.

Key Findings of the Survey

• 40% of Vermonters may move out within five years.
• Housing costs and taxes are the primary reasons for considering relocation.
• Southern Vermont, including Bennington, has a higher positive rating compared to northern counties.

In Bennington and nearby areas like Shaftsbury and Pownal, the implications are significant. The rising cost of housing has been a growing concern, with median home prices climbing sharply—68.7 percent over the past decade. Local officials and community leaders are increasingly aware of these challenges, as they could impact local workforce retention and the overall economic vitality of the region.

Leslie Black-Plumeau, Research and Community Relations Director at the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, noted that the affordability crisis is not only about rising home prices but also affects renters, particularly low-income families. She stated, “Relative to median incomes, there is no relief in sight yet for the affordability of buying a home here.”

Tax Concerns and Legislative Action

Taxes also continue to be a concern for residents across the state. Education property taxes have surged by more than 40 percent in the last five years, despite a decrease in student enrollment. Additionally, healthcare costs are straining household budgets, with residents spending nearly 20 percent of their median monthly income on health expenses.

In response to these challenges, Governor Phil Scott recently signed Executive Order 05-26, aimed at reforming healthcare regulations and exploring cost-saving measures. He emphasized the need for modernizing policies to enhance affordability, stating, “If we want to attract more workers and help small businesses grow, we have to be willing to both moderate and modernize policies that aren’t producing the results we desperately need.”

What’s Next?

As local communities in Bennington and surrounding regions grapple with these issues, it will be crucial for local leaders to address affordability concerns to retain residents and foster economic growth. Collaborative efforts may be necessary to enhance housing availability and reduce the financial burden on families.