Burlington, Vermont Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Burlington, Vermont had a total population of 44,675, the 1st largest city in Vermont, with a median household income of $71,109, which is 12% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Burlington is the 1st largest city in Vermont with a population of 44,675.
Burlington Quick Facts
How Burlington Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,649 | 44,675 | +0.1% |
| Median household income | $68,854 | $71,109 | +3.3% |
| Median home value | $400,200 | $444,800 | +11.1% |
How Burlington Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 19 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Burlington Rankings in Vermont
Explore Vermont Rankings
Other Cities in Chittenden County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Burlington | 20,756 | $106,667 | 7.2% | $443,400 |
| Essex Junction | 10,803 | $89,257 | 9.5% | $407,500 |
| Winooski | 8,293 | $79,522 | 13.8% | $381,500 |
| Shelburne | 6,499 | $109,583 | 10.0% | $553,200 |
| Milton | 3,555 | $77,550 | 10.1% | $337,600 |
| Jericho | 1,346 | $89,740 | 1.5% | $480,400 |
| Richmond | 753 | $71,250 | 4.5% | $405,600 |
| Hinesburg | 733 | $54,661 | 22.8% | $379,400 |
| Huntington | 516 | $76,667 | 8.5% | $276,800 |
| Underhill Flats | 434 | $65,625 | 3.2% | $326,900 |
Cities Similar to Burlington
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Burlington | 20,756 | $106,667 | $443,400 | 67.5% | 7.2% |
| Rutland | 15,712 | $57,675 | $185,500 | 33.4% | 15.3% |
| Essex Junction | 10,803 | $89,257 | $407,500 | 52.4% | 9.5% |
| Barre | 8,412 | $65,625 | $210,400 | 36.1% | 17.3% |
| Bennington | 9,245 | $54,257 | $191,700 | 34.5% | 11.4% |
Population Overview
Burlington is a mid-sized community located in Vermont, within Chittenden County. The total population is 44,675. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 179 Census-designated places in Vermont.
Age Demographics
The median age in Burlington is 26.8 years. This is 38% lower than the state median of 43.1 years. Only 11.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Burlington is $71,109. This is 12% lower than the state median of $81,203. It is also 12% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%. This is 103% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 21% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $444,800. Housing costs are 40% higher than the state median of $316,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 41.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Burlington is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.1% of the population. Asian residents account for 4.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (2.9% vs 1.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (4.2% vs 1.8%).
Education
60.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% higher than the state rate of 43.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.2%. Notably, 28.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Burlington, Vermont is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Vermont state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 179 Census-designated places in Vermont. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burlington, Vermont?
Burlington, Vermont has a population of 44,675 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Burlington, VT?
The median household income in Burlington is $71,109, which is 12% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Burlington, VT?
The poverty rate in Burlington is 20.4%. This means approximately 7,505 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Burlington, Vermont?
Burlington's population is 84.1% White, 2.9% Black, 2.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Burlington, VT?
The median home value in Burlington is $444,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is Burlington, Vermont?
60.5% of adults (25+) in Burlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 28.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.