A person’s wealth shouldn’t only be defined by money, and the phrase “poorest towns in Vermont” should never be a defining factor in our lives.  Quality of life, love and happiness can make a person the richest in the world, not to mention living in a beautiful surrounding.  And, boy, does Vermont have some of the most breathtaking scenery. According to Wikipedia, Vermont falls smack in the middle of the 50 states having the twenty-fifth highest per capita income in the United States of America, at $20,625 (2000). Its personal per capita income is $30,740 (2003).  Based on U.S. Census data, these are the poorest towns in Vermont (both incorporated and unincorporated).

10. Sheffield
Sheffield, VT, USA
Flickr/Jarid and Corin
Sheffield is a town in Caledonia County with a population that was 703 at the 2010 census and a per capita income of $13,277. As a result of the construction of a 40-megawatt, 16-turbine wind farm, the town is expected to receive $520,000 annually for 20 years, which was more than its annual municipal budget in 2011.
9. Brighton
Brighton, VT 05846, USA
Wikipedia.org
Brighton is a town in Essex County with a population of 1,260 at the 2000 census. The per capita income for Brighton was $12,999, with a median income for a household in the town was $26,932, and the median income for a family was $31,316. In 1957, a 67 foot white spruce was chosen from the town for display as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
8. Brunswick
Brunswick, VT 05905, USA
Flickr/ U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region
As of the census of 2000, there were 107 people, 40 households, and 28 families residing in the town of Brunswick. It has raised to 112 by the 2010 census with a per capita income of $12,925.
7. Lunenburg
Lunenburg, VT, USA
Wikipedia.org
The population was 1,302 at the 2010 census, and Lunenburg is the most populous town in Essex County. The per capita income is reported at $12,804. Pictured is the Mount Orne Covered Bridge between Lancaster, New Hampshire and Lunenburg, Vermont.
6. Lowell
Lowell, VT 05847, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Lowell is the westernmost town in Orleans County, Vermont, United States. The population was 738 at the 2000 census and the per capita income was $12,404.

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5. Holland
Holland, VT, USA
Wikipedia.org
Holland, located in Orleans County, had a population of 558 at the 2000 census and a per capita income of $11,936. Holland is the highest town in Orleans County. Perhaps due to its high altitude, Holland has historically had the coolest weather and highest rate of snowfall in Orleans County.
4. Johnson Village
Johnson, VT 05656, USA
Flickr/James Walsh
Johnson Village is a village in the town of Johnson in Lamoille County with a population was 1,420 at the 2000 census. The median income for a household in the village was $23,846, and the median income for a family was $40,089. Males had a median income of $25,104 versus $19,861 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,651.
3. Searsburg
Searsburg, VT, USA
Flickr/Jared and Corin
Searsburg is a town in Bennington County with a population of 109 at the 2010 census and an average per capita income of $10,472.
2. Averill
Averill, VT, USA
Flickr/Jay Parker
The population in Averill was 24 at the 2010 census, triple the population from the previous census in 2000. The per capita income was reported at $9,876.
1. Ferdinand
Ferdinand, VT, USA
Wikipedia.org
Ferdinand is a town in Essex County with a per capita income average of $9,138, making it the poorest town in Vermont. Although incorporated, the town was never formally organized since it never gained a sufficiently large permanent population. The population was 33 at the 2000 census, having had a high of 213 in 1910.

While these may be the poorest cities in Vermont, there is still plenty of other kinds of wealth. Despite where any town falls in a national ranking, living in Vermont makes us the richest people in the world.

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Poorest Towns in Vermont

Danielle Schwartz | August 12, 2022

What are the richest towns in Vermont?

Once you know where the poorest towns in the state are, you might find yourself wondering about the richest towns in Vermont as well. The most wealthy town is beautiful Old Bennington, where you'll find the gorgeous greenery the state is well-known for as well as plenty of pretty houses. It's a very tiny town but has the highest per capita income in Vermont. The second-highest per capita income is found in Manchester Village, and the third-highest is in the significantly larger town of Burlington.

What are the safest towns in Vermont?

The safest towns in Vermont are generally considered the ones where the crime rates are the lowest. In 2021, idyllic Castleton came in first place for the safest town in the state. It's a great place to live or just to take a day trip if you're looking for a break from the big city life. The second-safest city is Hinesburg. With a population of 4,600, it's a sweet town with lovely architecture and great people. The winter destination of Stowe is the third on the list, and there's lots of fun to be had on the ski slopes and in the many charming shops and restaurants.

What are the most dangerous cities in Vermont?

The most dangerous cities in Vermont have plenty of positive attributes, but they are unfortunately the victims of higher crime rates than the rest of the state. Many towns that are considered dangerous in our lovely state are still much safer than many other places in the United States. The town with the highest violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants is St. Albans, so make sure you're careful when you're visiting. Brattleboro is next on the list, with a high number of thefts and robberies.

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