Income Needed to Buy a Home in Vermont (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $117,012/year (#19 least affordable of 51 US states)
Vermont ranks #19 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $394,038 requires a household income of about $117,012. That's $34,282 more than the median household actually earns ($82,730) — a shortfall of 41% of typical income.
Vermont's affordability ratio of 1.41 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 10.7% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 13.7% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.42% adds $466 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $827/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,730.
Vermont monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $394,038 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $354,634 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,195 |
| Monthly property tax (1.42% rate) | $466 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $69 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,730 |
| Required household income | $117,012 |
| Median household income | $82,730 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Vermont compares
- Arizona — similar affordability (ratio 1.42, requires $116,046)
- District of Columbia — similar affordability (ratio 1.43, requires $157,359)
- Connecticut — similar affordability (ratio 1.39, requires $133,329)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Vermont in 2026?
About $117,012 per year to afford the median-priced home of $394,038, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Vermont household earns $82,730.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Vermont?
Roughly $2,730 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Vermont affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $34,282 (41%), ranking Vermont #19 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.