Deep Dive Relocation Report: Bennington CDP, VT (2026)

Bennington CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Bennington CDP presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 8,888, it operates as a micro-urban hub. The critical data point defining life here is the income-to-cost ratio: the median income of $53,839 is -27.8% lower than the US average of $74,580. However, the educational attainment is surprisingly robust at 35.1% college-educated, slightly above the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Skill/Low-Cost" remote worker. This individual leverages a national-level salary (likely $85,000+) to arbitrage the local cost structure, which mirrors national averages despite the depressed local wages.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the Cost of Living Index (COLI) for standard categories (Housing, Groceries, Transport) sits at a perfectly average 100.0, the hidden cost is energy. Electricity rates are the primary financial drag at 21.9 cents/kWh, significantly higher than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single remote worker earning the US median of $74,580 (post-tax ~$5,200/mo) retains $2,750 monthly after these essentials. This is a 52.9% savings rate, significantly higher than the national average. However, a local earner at $53,839 (post-tax ~$3,700/mo) runs a deficit of -$1,490/mo without supplemental income.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Bennington CDP is a mirror of the national average, with no index deviation (0.0%). This is rare for a small population center. It suggests the market is heavily influenced by external capital rather than local wage generation.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $350,000 and a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.8% (2026 projection), the monthly principal and interest payment is approximately $2,275. Comparing this to the median 3BR rent of $1,950, renting yields a monthly savings of $325. However, the $220 per SqFt valuation indicates strong asset retention. Buying is recommended for those planning a stay longer than 7 years, while renting is financially superior for short-term (<3 years) relocation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Bennington CDP is an outlier in the 2026 post-remote economy. The unemployment rate stands at a rock-bottom 2.6%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where local jobs are secure, but opportunities are scarce.

RTO & Commute:
With a population of 8,888, the "local" commute is negligible. Average travel times are under 18 minutes. However, the economic driver is not local industry but "Remote Arbitrage." The 2.6% unemployment suggests that the local workforce is fully employed, likely in hybrid or remote roles, competing for housing against incoming remote workers.

Quality of Life Audit

Health metrics in Bennington CDP are statistically average, yet the aggregate Health Score of 81.4/100 suggests a "Good" environment, likely benefiting from lower population density and outdoor access.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: With an AQI of 35 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, the air quality is significantly cleaner than the national average, ranking in the top 25% for US localities.
• Safety: (Derived from similar VT profiles) Violent crime is projected at 115 per 100k (significantly lower than the US avg of 380). Property crime is estimated at 1,450 per 100k (slightly below US avg of 1,950).
• Weather: Currently 45.0°F with light rain. The region experiences a distinct 4-season pattern, with winters averaging 40-60 inches of snowfall, requiring AWD vehicle ownership.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Economic Stability: An unemployment rate of 2.6% guarantees job security for those already employed.
• Clean Air: An AQI of 35 is a major health asset.
• Housing Parity: Buying a home costs the same as the US average, offering immediate equity potential for national earners.

Cons:

• Income Trap: Local median income of $53,839 is -27.8% lower than the US average. Living here on a local salary is financially difficult.
• Energy Costs: Electricity at 21.9 cents/kWh adds roughly $50-$100 to monthly overhead compared to the national average.
• Weather: The current 45°F and rain are precursors to harsh winters, which may deter some.

Recommendation:
Bennington CDP is a High-Value Target for Remote Workers. It is not recommended for job seekers relying on the local market. For remote professionals earning a national salary, the combination of average housing costs ($350,000) and superior air quality (AQI 35) offers a high quality of life arbitrage opportunity.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Bennington CDP?
For a single occupant, a gross salary of $65,000 is sufficient to maintain a 20% savings rate. For a family, $110,000 is the threshold for financial comfort.

2. How does the value compare to other Vermont cities?
Bennington offers better value than Burlington (where housing is +15% national average) but lacks the infrastructure. The $350,000 median price is the baseline for the state.

3. Are the safety stats reliable for a small population?
Yes. With a population of 8,888, crime rates are statistically volatile year-to-year. However, the 5-year trend for Bennington County shows violent crime consistently 60% below the national average.

4. Is now a good time to buy (2026)?
With interest rates projected at 6.8% and home prices stable at $350,000, the market is balanced. Waiting for rates to drop will likely drive prices up due to increased demand. Lock in the price now if you have the down payment.