Vermont Housing Payments Strained Many Households
Twenty percent of residents missed or fell short on rent or mortgage payments over the past year.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Residential
Live Poll
Is keeping up with your monthly housing and living costs getting harder in your area?
A recent state survey revealed that 20% of Vermonters failed to make full or timely housing payments during the past year, while 12% nearly missed a payment. The data highlights a significant challenge for residents managing housing costs amid broader economic pressures.
Why it matters
Rising housing costs, fueled by a persistent state housing shortage and stagnant wage growth, have pushed over 30% of all Vermont households into cost-burdened status. This trend has made housing affordability and the economy the primary concerns for 31% of the state's residents.
In a Vermont Public 2026 Poll, 20% of residents reported missing or falling short on housing payments in the past year, while 30% of all state households are classified as cost-burdened. The median sale price for a primary home in the state reached $379,000, following a 91% increase over the last decade.
The players
Vermont Public
A public media organization that conducted the 2026 poll providing insights into resident financial health.
The details
Households are considered cost-burdened when they spend more than one-third of their monthly income on housing. As mortgage rates remained high and wage growth failed to keep pace with soaring real estate prices, many residents struggled to meet their obligations. Younger Vermonters, particularly those aged 18 to 44, reported the highest level of payment difficulty at 27%, compared to 22% for those aged 45 to 64 and 9% for those 65 and older.
Timeline
The Vermont Public 2026 Poll survey was conducted in September 2026.
Data indicates that 20% of Vermonters missed or fell short on payments during the past year.
In 2021, nearly one-third of renters could afford a median-priced home.
By 2023, only 6% of renters maintained the income level required to purchase a median-priced home.
As of 2024, over 30% of all Vermont households were considered cost-burdened.
Money Landscape
The current struggle to maintain housing payments follows a multi-year trend of dwindling home-buying capacity for Vermont renters. This development tracks the pattern set by the 2021-2023 decline in home-buying power, which saw the share of renters able to afford a median home drop from 33% to 6%.
If you are struggling to manage your monthly housing costs, consider reviewing your household budget to identify potential savings or reach out to a professional counselor for guidance. Residents facing persistent hardship should consult with a qualified financial professional to explore local assistance options.
The takeaway
The sharp rise in housing prices over the past decade has made consistent payments difficult for a large portion of the population. Review your debt-to-income ratio and current monthly housing expenditures to ensure they remain sustainable relative to your household income.
Further reading
For broader trends on property ownership and affordability in the state, visit Residential.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brattleboro Reformer.
Live Poll
Is keeping up with your monthly housing and living costs getting harder in your area?
