Wealth Index
Among the top 3 wealthiest counties in Vermont
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Chittenden County | Vermont Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $93,740 | $78,253 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $70,540 | $62,394 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 4.9% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 15.9% | 11.6% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Chittenden County is about 20% higher than in Vermont. Income has been growing faster in Chittenden County (4.9%/yr) than in Vermont (4.8%/yr).
About 16% of adults in Chittenden County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, higher than the Vermont average of 12%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Chittenden County, Vermont grew by 57.2% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $93,740 in 2023. That's an average of about 4.9% per year.
Economic Inequality in Chittenden County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Chittenden County | Vermont Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.536 | 0.519 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $76,855 | $65,455 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $63,638 | $58,889 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 17.2% | 10.0% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Chittenden County, it is 0.536, higher than Vermont's 0.519, so income is less evenly distributed here than there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 21% more than women's income in Chittenden County, Vermont. Over a 35-year career, a 21% wage gap accumulates to roughly $462,595 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Chittenden County, Vermont has narrowed from about 24% to 17% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,076 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Chittenden County | Vermont Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 17.7% | 15.0% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 20 | 20 | 22 |
Approximately 3,695 people are unemployed in Chittenden County, Vermont.
The average commute time in Chittenden County is 20 minutes, about the same as in Vermont.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Chittenden County, Vermont has fallen from 5.4% to 3.7% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Chittenden County, Vermont has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it somewhat better than Vermont, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Chittenden County, Vermont.
How Rich Is Chittenden County, Vermont?
Chittenden County has a wealth index grade of B. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a B grade means residents are quite well off compared to the U.S. average. The median household income is $93,740, about 20% higher than the Vermont average of $78,253.
What is the current median household income in Chittenden County, Vermont?
As of 2023, the median household income in Chittenden County, Vermont is $93,740.
What was the median household income in Chittenden County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Chittenden County, Vermont was $93,740.
What was the median household income in Chittenden County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Chittenden County, Vermont was $76,234.
What is the Gini coefficient in Chittenden County, Vermont?
The Gini coefficient in Chittenden County is 0.536. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Chittenden County, Vermont?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Chittenden County, Vermont has narrowed from about 24% to 17% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,076 since 2009.