Rutland, VT: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Rutland: The Data Profile (2026)

Rutland presents a distinct economic and demographic profile for the 2026 post-remote worker. With a population of 15,747, it functions as a micropolitan hub rather than a major urban center. The primary economic friction point is the income-to-cost ratio: the median income sits at $55,000, which is 26.3% below the US median of $74,580. However, the educational attainment is nearly on par with the national average at 32.2% (US avg: 33.1%), suggesting a workforce that is skilled but historically underpaid relative to the broader market.

Target Demographic: The statistical ideal resident for Rutland in 2026 is a remote worker earning a national-average salary (or higher), leveraging the 0.0% housing premium relative to the US average to maximize disposable income. It is less viable for local hires relying solely on the $55,000 median wage.

Cost of Living Analysis

The "100 = US Average" index reveals a deceptive stability in Rutland. While baseline categories like Groceries and Transportation index at 100.0, the hidden cost lies in utilities. Electricity currently costs 21.9 cents/kWh, significantly higher than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner on the median income of $55,000 (approx. $3,600 monthly take-home), the single-person budget of $2,780 leaves only $820 in disposable income. This is a tight margin. However, a dual-income household earning $110,000 total would clear $7,200 monthly, facing the $5,720 family budget, leaving $1,480 for savings or debt repayment.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Rutland’s housing market is the primary value proposition. It is priced exactly at the national baseline. Unlike inflated metros where housing indexes at 140+, Rutland sits at 100.0. This stability allows for predictable long-term planning.

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

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
With a median home price of $315,000 and a 1BR rent of $997, the price-to-rent ratio favors buying if you plan to stay 7+ years. The 0.0% index means you are not fighting an overheated market, making it a safer entry point for homeownership compared to high-appreciation cities.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote economy has bifurcated Rutland’s job market. The local unemployment rate is a healthy 2.6%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market for local service and healthcare jobs (major regional employers include Rutland Regional Medical Center).

RTO & Commute:
With the shift to remote work, commute times have dropped. The average commute in Rutland is 17.5 minutes, compared to the US average of 26.4 minutes. This saves residents approximately 90 hours per year in transit time. However, local industry remains reliant on healthcare, retail, and seasonal tourism, meaning high-paying specialized tech or finance roles are scarce without remote arrangements.

Quality of Life Audit

Rutland offers mixed health outcomes. While the aggregate Health Score is a strong 79.3/100, underlying risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate is 36.9%, notably higher than the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the air quality is pristine, a major draw for health-conscious relocations.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Schools:

• Crime: Violent crime is approximately 210 per 100k (US avg: 380 per 100k). Property crime is higher at 1,950 per 100k (US avg: 1,900 per 100k), driven by theft.
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 25 and PM2.5 of 3.5 µg/m³, Rutland is in the top 5% of cleanest US cities.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with a high of 47°F. Expect 120+ days annually below freezing.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 100.0 index housing at 23.5% below the national median price.
• Air Quality: AQI of 25 is a massive health asset.
• Job Security: Unemployment is a low 2.6%.
• Commute: Average of 17.5 minutes.

Cons:

• Income Cap: Median income is $55,000 (-26.3% vs US).
• Health Risks: Obesity rate is 36.9% (+5% over US avg).
• Utilities: Electricity is 21.9¢/kWh (36% premium).

Final Recommendation:
Rutland is a Buy for remote workers earning $75,000+. It is a Rent for local hires or those seeking rapid career advancement in competitive sectors. The math works only if you import income.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Rutland?
For a single person, a salary of $70,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate after the $2,780 monthly expenses.

2. How does Rutland value compare to Burlington?
Rutland is 15% cheaper in housing than Burlington, with a 10% lower income average, making the value proposition roughly equivalent for locals, but better for remote workers in Rutland due to lower absolute housing prices.

3. Is Rutland safe?
Yes. Violent crime is 45% lower than the national average. Property crime is slightly elevated but manageable.

4. When is the best time to move?
Move between May and September. The current weather of 48.0°F is mild, but winters regularly drop to 15°F below zero, making moving logistics difficult.