Vermont Housing Payments Strained Many Households
New data shows 20 percent of Vermont residents struggled to meet their rent or mortgage obligations over the past year.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Residential
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According to a September 2026 poll, 20 percent of Vermonters missed or fell short on housing payments, while an additional 12 percent reported nearly falling behind. These findings highlight growing financial pressures across the state, particularly as over 30 percent of households remained cost-burdened as of 2024.
Why it matters
The crisis stems from a historic housing shortage compounded by high mortgage rates and wages that have not kept pace with rising expenses. Consequently, many families face increased difficulty managing monthly budgets, which remains a primary concern for residents.
The median primary home sale price reached $379,000 last year, marking a 91% increase over the past decade. By 2023, only 6% of Vermont renters earned enough to afford a median-priced home, a steep decline from nearly one-third of renters in 2021.
The details
Households are considered cost-burdened when they direct more than one-third of their monthly income toward housing expenses. This strain forces many families to prioritize other financial obligations over rent or mortgages. With wages stagnating relative to property values, a significant portion of the population is unable to keep up with current market costs.
Timeline
2021: Nearly one-third of Vermont renters could afford a median-priced home.
2023: Six percent of Vermont renters could afford a median-priced home.
2024: Over 30% of Vermont households were cost-burdened.
September 2026: Vermont Public 2026 Poll survey was conducted.
Past year: 20% of Vermonters missed or fell short on housing payments.
The Home Front
Vermont's housing market has experienced a 91% price surge over the last decade, far outpacing typical wage growth for the average family. This trend aligns with the 2024 report that over 30% of households currently face significant cost-burdening.
If you are struggling with payments, review your current monthly budget to identify if housing costs now exceed 33 percent of your total income. Consider reaching out to a certified housing counselor or a local financial advisor to discuss potential assistance programs or long-term planning.
The takeaway
The data suggests that younger residents, specifically those aged 18 to 44, are experiencing the highest rates of housing payment difficulty. Residents are encouraged to track their monthly housing-to-income ratio annually to determine if their current living situation remains financially sustainable.
Further reading
Learn more about local real estate trends by visiting the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brattleboro Reformer.
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