When most people think about the poorest areas in Vermont, they often look toward the Northeast Kingdom, known for its rural and economically struggling communities. However, the title of the poorest town in Vermont actually goes to a somewhat unexpected place: West Brattleboro.
This region, located in Windham County, is part of Brattleboro, the county seat. Despite its proximity to the more vibrant and active downtown area of Brattleboro, West Brattleboro stands out for its low median household income and high poverty rate.
What Makes West Brattleboro the Poorest?
According to 2021 census data, West Brattleboro has a population of 2,770, with a median household income of just $36,618. This is significantly lower than Vermont’s median household income of $67,694 and much lower than the Windham County median of $59,000.
With such low incomes, it’s no surprise that West Brattleboro also has a relatively high poverty rate of 19.4%. This is nearly double the statewide poverty rate of 10.5%.
Though not an incorporated town, West Brattleboro is considered a census-designated spot by the U.S. Census Bureau. It is home to a variety of local shops, a few restaurants, and scenic covered bridges that many people may pass by as they travel through on Route 9. Despite being part of the larger Brattleboro area, West Brattleboro is often overshadowed by the more well-known and bustling downtown area.
Breaking Down the Demographics of West Brattleboro
One thing that stands out about West Brattleboro is how it defies some common stereotypes associated with poor communities. For example, the town has a higher-than-average high school graduation rate of 96.9%, which is better than both Windham County and Vermont as a whole.
However, its college graduation rate of 32% is much lower than the county and state averages, which could suggest a lack of access to higher education opportunities.
West Brattleboro also has a relatively low percentage of African American residents, with census data showing an official 0%. However, the town’s minority population is higher than the state average, with 12% identifying as a minority and 4% identifying as Hispanic.
This demographic profile is different from many other economically struggling areas in the United States, which tend to have higher percentages of African American residents.
Key Demographic and Economic Insights
West Brattleboro is not only marked by its low income levels but also its unique demographic makeup:
Higher Female Population: About 56% of residents in West Brattleboro are women, compared to the state’s average of 50.3%. Women tend to earn less than men on average, which could contribute to the area’s low median household income.
Lower Marriage Rate: West Brattleboro has a 34% marriage rate, lower than both Windham County (43%) and Vermont (49%). This suggests that family dynamics might differ in the area compared to the broader region.
High Mobility: Residents in West Brattleboro are more likely to have moved in the last 12 months compared to the rest of Windham County, with a 25% higher likelihood. This could indicate a transient population, which might affect community stability.
Affordable Housing: Housing in West Brattleboro is about 20% cheaper than in the rest of Windham County, with a large portion of the community living in Mountain Home Trailer Park. The area’s lower property prices might be a factor in the lower overall income levels.
Fewer Veterans: West Brattleboro has only about 60% as many veterans per capita as both the state and county, suggesting that military service is less common in this area.
How Does West Brattleboro Compare to Other Poorest Towns in Northern New England?
West Brattleboro’s financial struggles put it at the bottom of Vermont’s list, but it actually fares better than the poorest towns in neighboring states. Compared to Maine and New Hampshire, West Brattleboro’s median household income of $36,618 is on par with, or even better than, the poorest towns in those states.
Despite its economic challenges, West Brattleboro is still a part of Vermont’s larger social and economic landscape, which offers better opportunities and resources compared to more rural areas in other regions.
Though it might not be what people expect, West Brattleboro has earned the title of the poorest town in Vermont, with a low median income and a high poverty rate. However, the community defies several stereotypes often associated with poverty, showing strong educational attainment and a diverse population.
While it faces economic challenges, it remains an important part of the broader Brattleboro area, balancing scenic beauty and local history with its financial struggles.
