When you think of the poorest town in Vermont, you might assume it’s a place in the Northeast Kingdom, often considered the state’s poorest region. But surprisingly, the poorest town isn’t located there at all, and it’s not what you might expect.
Contrary to some stereotypes, the poorest town in Vermont is not populated by uneducated residents, nor is it an overwhelmingly black community. In fact, West Brattleboro, part of the Town of Brattleboro in Windham County, stands out for its unique characteristics.
It might surprise you to learn that Brattleboro proper is an active, thriving town, well-known for its arts community, historic landmarks like the Rudyard Kipling home, and its representation by Congresswoman Becca Balint.
What Makes West Brattleboro the Poorest?
West Brattleboro, with a population of 2,770, ranks as Vermont’s poorest region based on median household income. According to the 2021 census data from The Center Square, the median household income in West Brattleboro is $36,618, which is significantly lower than Vermont’s statewide median of $67,694.
This makes the income in West Brattleboro about ⅗ of the county’s median of $59,000.
Given this low income, it’s not surprising that West Brattleboro also has a relatively high poverty rate, standing at 19.4% compared to the statewide average of 10.5%.
Demographics of West Brattleboro
West Brattleboro defies several common stereotypes associated with poor communities. Here are some key demographic insights:
- Racial Composition: West Brattleboro has a 0% Black population according to census data, making it starkly different from other poor areas in the country, which tend to have higher African American populations. However, about 12% of the population is minority, with 4% identifying as Hispanic.
- Education: West Brattleboro’s high school graduation rate of 96.9% is higher than both Windham County and the state average. However, the town’s college graduation rate stands at 32%, which is notably lower than the county’s and state’s average.
- Foreign Born Population: Just 1.9% of residents are born outside the U.S., which is lower than the state and county averages.
- Gender Demographics: 56% of West Brattleboro’s population is female, which is higher than the 50.3% female population in the state. Women typically earn less than men, which could contribute to the lower household income.
- Household and Family Structure: The average household size in West Brattleboro is 2.0 members, compared to 2.4 statewide. Additionally, only 34% of residents are married, lower than the state and county averages.
Housing and Living Conditions
The average cost of owner-occupied housing in West Brattleboro is about 20% cheaper than the rest of Windham County. The area is home to Mountain Home Trailer Park, which contributes to the lower housing costs.
Comparing West Brattleboro with Other Northern New England Towns
While West Brattleboro is the poorest town in Vermont, it compares relatively well with poor towns in neighboring Northern New England states. For example, in New Hampshire, the poorest town is Ashland, where the median household income is $33,365, and the poverty rate is 31.7%—far higher than West Brattleboro’s.
In Maine, the poorest town is Machias, with a much lower median income of $20,333 and a poverty rate of 38.3%.
Here’s how West Brattleboro stacks up against the poorest towns in other Northern New England states:
| State | Poorest Town | Median Household Income | State Median Income | Poverty Rate in Town | Poverty Rate in State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | West Brattleboro | $36,618 | $67,694 | 19.4% | 10.5% |
| New Hampshire | Ashland | $33,365 | $83,449 | 31.7% | 7.4% |
| Maine | Machias | $20,333 | $63,182 | 38.3% | 11% |
| Massachusetts | Ware | $43,783 | $89,026 | 17.4% | 9.9% |
| Rhode Island | Central Falls | $40,235 | $74,489 | 24.9% | 11.3% |
FAQ Section
What is the poorest town in Vermont?
The poorest town in Vermont is West Brattleboro, with a median household income of $36,618.
What’s the poverty rate in West Brattleboro?
The poverty rate in West Brattleboro is 19.4%, which is much higher than Vermont’s statewide average of 10.5%.
How does West Brattleboro compare to other Northern New England towns?
West Brattleboro has a lower poverty rate compared to the poorest towns in Maine and New Hampshire, but its median income is still quite low.
What is the average household size in West Brattleboro?
The average household size in West Brattleboro is 2.0 members, compared to the statewide average of 2.4 members.