RANK #725 / 996 · POP 59,768 · VT
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.1%
Montpelier, the nation's smallest state capital, anchors Washington County, Vermont, offering a blend of small-town character and natural beauty. Located centrally in Vermont, the county is about a 30-minute drive from Burlington, the state's largest city. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with an average commute time of 23.4 minutes, though Green Mountain Transit provides bus services connecting towns like Montpelier, Waterbury, and Barre. The region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and access to the Green Mountains, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water activities on the Waterbury Reservoir.
Life in Washington County often appeals to those seeking a balance of peaceful living and access to outdoor activities. The public schools in Washington County are rated above average, with options including Montpelier High School and Harwood Union Middle/High School. The economy is driven by state government activities in Montpelier, along with tourism, insurance, trade, and the granite industry in Barre. While manufacturing jobs have seen a decline statewide, efforts are underway to foster growth in private-sector industries and address workforce shortages.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County has a Boom Town Index score of 27/100, ranking #725 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.5% and a median household income of $77,278, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Washington County is $278,000 with median rent at $1,077/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.278, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.5%. Home values changed +0.2% in the past 12 months.