Montpelier Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Montpelier: The Data Profile (2026)

Montpelier represents a distinct statistical outlier in the 2026 post-remote landscape. With a population of just 8,038, it functions less as a traditional city and more as a high-density administrative hub. The economic engine here is powered by a highly educated workforce, where 66.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher—more than double the US average of 33.1%. This educational attainment drives a median household income of $79,175, which sits 6.2% above the national median of $74,580.

The statistical target demographic for Montpelier is the "Remote Executive" or "Government Specialist." These are individuals earning $90,000+ annually who prioritize civic engagement and walkability over urban density. The data suggests this is a market for dual-income households with no children, or empty nesters, given the housing stock and price points.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the high median income, the Cost of Living (COL) index in Montpelier is currently pegged at 100.0 across major sectors (Housing, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare), exactly matching the US average. However, the hidden cost lies in energy consumption. The electricity rate is 21.9 cents/kWh, significantly higher than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Budgets (Single vs. Family)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $79,175 takes home approximately $4,750/month after taxes. After deducting the $2,645 monthly budget, the disposable income is $2,105/month (approx 44% savings rate). For a family of 4 on a dual median income ($158,350), take-home is roughly $9,500/month, leaving $3,505 after expenses. This indicates a comfortable, but not wealthy, financial position relative to the national curve.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Montpelier is defined by stability rather than speculation. With a Housing Index of 100.0, it is priced exactly at the national average. However, the "premium" for homeownership in a small, desirable capital city is evident in the price-per-square-foot metrics.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
The data favors renting in the short-to-medium term. While the median home price is $385,000 (lower than the US average), the price-per-square-foot is $285, indicating that homes are generally smaller or older, requiring higher maintenance costs. Renting a 1BR saves $200/month compared to the national average, providing flexibility without the asset liability in a market with 0.0% appreciation variance relative to the US.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Montpelier’s economy is insulated by state government and a robust remote-work infrastructure. The unemployment rate is a staggeringly low 2.6%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a "candidate-driven" market for local services, though high-paying private sector roles remain scarce outside of tech and consulting.

RTO & Commute:
Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have minimal impact here. The average commute time is 18.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. With 66.2% of the workforce holding degrees, the shift to hybrid models has stabilized local retail and service economies, as residents spend more time (and money) in the city center during weekdays.

Quality of Life Audit

Montpelier excels in health metrics, driven by a demographic profile that prioritizes outdoor activity and lower risk factors. The overall Health Score is 85.6/100, rated "EXCELLENT."

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is exceptionally low at 85 per 100k (US avg: 380 per 100k). Property crime is 1,250 per 100k (US avg: 1,950 per 100k).
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 25 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³, Montpelier offers pristine air quality, ranking in the top 5% of US cities.
• Schools: The student-teacher ratio is 12:1, superior to the national average of 16:1.
• Weather: Current conditions show a high of 46°F and a low of 34°F. The region experiences distinct seasons, with winter averages dropping to 18°F and summer highs reaching 82°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Unemployment: At 2.6%, job security is virtually guaranteed.
• Health: A score of 85.6 and low smoking rates (9.2%) suggest a long-living population.
• Environment: Air quality (AQI 25) is world-class.
• Income: Earnings ($79,175) outpace the cost of living (100.0 Index).

Cons:

• Energy Costs: Electricity at 21.9 cents/kWh is a recurring financial drain.
• Housing Value: At $285/SqFt, you are paying more for less space compared to the national average.
• Isolation: The population of 8,038 limits cultural variety and dining options compared to metros.

Final Recommendation:
Montpelier is a BUY for professionals earning $80,000+ who value health, safety, and quiet over nightlife and density. It is a PASS for those seeking rapid property appreciation or a vibrant, youth-centric social scene.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Montpelier?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable standard of living, allowing for savings. For a family, a combined income of $120,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Vermont cities?
Montpelier commands a 10-15% premium over Burlington regarding price-per-square-foot, but offers lower crime rates (85 vs 380 violent crimes per 100k) and significantly higher political engagement.

3. Is the crime rate statistically significant?
No. Violent crime is 78% lower than the national average. It is statistically one of the safest capital cities in the US.

4. When is the best time to buy or move?
The optimal window is October through December. The market slows down, and sellers are more negotiable. Moving in winter avoids the $2,400 summer rental peak.