Vermont’s Wealthiest Communities: 2025 Rankings
A new study using the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey has revealed the top 15 richest cities and towns in Vermont. Drawing on four key indicators—median household income, mean household income, median home value, and median property taxes paid—the rankings showcase the state’s most affluent enclaves, from scenic ski resorts to charming lakefront towns.
The methodology scores each city on all four metrics, then combines those scores into a comprehensive ranking. Importantly, income and home value figures in the census data are capped at certain thresholds—$250,000+ for household income and $2 million+ for home value. To account for this, mean household income was weighted heavily for its greater granularity.
Additionally, many entries in this ranking are census-designated places (CDPs), which may not be incorporated municipalities but are treated by the Census Bureau as distinct communities.
Stratton Mountain Tops the List
Vermont’s richest city is Stratton Mountain, a high-end ski resort area within the town of Stratton. While it’s home to just 36 households, Stratton Mountain leads the state with a median household income of $174,722 and an average household income of $262,881. Real estate here is also Vermont’s most valuable, with a median home price surpassing $1 million and annual property taxes exceeding $10,000 per household.
Norwich: A Dual Appearance
Second place goes to Norwich CDP, the central village of Norwich town. The CDP boasts a median household income of $167,625 and an average household income of $211,552. Homes are valued at a median of $642,200, and property taxes are again above the $10,000 mark. Norwich town—distinct from the CDP—ranks third overall. With 1,272 households, the town has slightly lower figures: a median household income of $140,139, an average income of $200,676, and a median home value of $576,300.
Historic Charm in Old Bennington
Fourth on the list is Old Bennington, a historic village of 74 households. Known for its Revolutionary War heritage and the Bennington Battle Monument, Old Bennington combines affluence with a more modest real estate profile. The median household income is $154,375 and mean household income is $186,453, while homes are valued at $394,600. Median property taxes are $8,393 annually.
Lake Champlain Luxury in Charlotte
Rounding out the top five is Charlotte, a picturesque town along Lake Champlain, just south of Burlington. With 1,754 households, Charlotte ranks high in both income and property value: a median household income of $136,385, a mean income of $165,858, and a median home value of $659,800. Median annual property taxes are $9,043.
Complete Ranking: Vermont’s 15 Richest Places
Below are the top 15 wealthiest cities and towns in Vermont, sorted by combined scores from the four economic indicators:
| Rank | City/Town | Households | Median Income | Mean Income | Median Home Value | Median Property Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stratton Mountain | 36 | $174,722 | $262,881 | $1,045,500 | $10,000+ |
| 2 | Norwich CDP | 345 | $167,625 | $211,552 | $642,200 | $10,000+ |
| 3 | Norwich town | 1,272 | $140,139 | $200,676 | $576,300 | $10,000+ |
| 4 | Old Bennington | 74 | $154,375 | $186,453 | $394,600 | $8,393 |
| 5 | Charlotte | 1,754 | $136,385 | $165,858 | $659,800 | $9,043 |
| 6 | South Hero town | 631 | $137,917 | $181,272 | $520,200 | $7,355 |
| 7 | Woodstock town | 1,349 | $123,735 | $151,974 | $534,400 | $9,398 |
| 8 | Woodstock village | 463 | $103,750 | $152,316 | $659,300 | $10,000+ |
| 9 | Shelburne | 3,341 | $115,019 | $161,333 | $515,800 | $7,286 |
| 10 | South Hero CDP | 70 | $118,750 | $173,401 | $442,900 | $6,458 |
| 11 | Waterbury Center | 106 | $151,389 | $154,057 | $292,500 | $5,427 |
| 12 | Dorset | 177 | $148,385 | $127,706 | $482,400 | $5,490 |
| 13 | Jericho | 2,061 | $115,223 | $155,421 | $469,700 | $7,100 |
| 14 | Grafton | 27 | $111,875 | $131,274 | $517,900 | $8,438 |
| 15 | Weston | 19 | $117,083 | $112,937 | $569,400 | $8,750 |
Wealth, Density, and Perspective
While Stratton Mountain and Old Bennington top the list in wealth, they’re also among the smallest communities by household count. Meanwhile, towns like Shelburne and Charlotte combine affluence with larger populations, reflecting Vermont’s mix of secluded luxury and broader suburban prosperity.
Whether driven by resort tourism, historic charm, or proximity to lakes and tech corridors, Vermont’s richest communities reflect a range of lifestyle choices and economic strengths. As new census data emerges, these rankings may evolve—but for now, Stratton Mountain stands as Vermont’s wealthiest enclave.
Source: Forbes, June 25, 2025.
