The town most frequently named the poorest in Vermont is Bellows Falls. According to a 2024 analysis using recent U.S. Census data, Bellows Falls has the lowest overall “Poor Score” in the state, factoring in its median household income of $52,813 and a poverty rate of 19.7%. This ranking is based on a combination of low income levels and a high percentage of residents living in poverty.
However, some sources also highlight West Brattleboro as the poorest town, especially when considering census-designated places rather than incorporated cities or towns. West Brattleboro has a median household income of $36,618 and a poverty rate of 19.4%, both significantly below statewide averages.
For very small towns, Ferdinand in Essex County is sometimes cited as the poorest, with a per capita income of just $9,138, but its extremely small population makes it less commonly referenced in broader analyses.
- Poorest city (by population and economic data): Bellows Falls.
- Poorest census-designated place: West Brattleboro.
- Poorest by per capita income (very small town): Ferdinand.
Bellows Falls is most commonly recognized as the poorest city in Vermont for 2024, but West Brattleboro and Ferdinand are also notable depending on the criteria used.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.worldatlas.com/economics/richest-cities-in-vermont.html
[2] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/vermont/poorest-towns-vt
[3] https://vermontdailychronicle.com/the-poorest-town-in-vermont-is/
[4] https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=50&demo=00007
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-vermont/
