Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$742
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Canaan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population305
Median Age51.7 yrs
Density194/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans1.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$29,869
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$183M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,000
Rent$742
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$192,138
Housing Units168
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property2,619/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.4%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain42.8 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation1,339 ft (408 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 39%
Commute20 min
Broadband77.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Canaan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Canaan receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Canaan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Canaan is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Canaan is $118,000, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Canaan is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,619 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Canaan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Canaan has a population of 305 with a density of 194 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 51.7 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58% female and 42% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 77.9% of residents, while 22.1% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.7yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
77.9%
1% below US avg
Spanish
22.1%
65% above US avg
The median household income in Canaan is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,869 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 180 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,869 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,928 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 180 |
| County GDP | $183M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Canaan is $118,000, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,138, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $742 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,203 for a one-bedroom to $1,487 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $6,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,138 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $742 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.38% |
In Canaan, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925. The dentist ratio is 1:1,998. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Canaan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,925 |
| Dentists | 1:1,998 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,787/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Canaan has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,619 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Canaan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Canaan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,619.3/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Canaan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. The city sits at an elevation of 1,339 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 39.2°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,339 ft (408 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 194/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0067°N, 71.5271°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Essex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Berlin Regional (BML) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.8"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
33 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Sep 1, 2024 |
5 km SE of Pierreville, Canada |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
86 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Apr 3, 1997 |
9 km ENE of Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover, Canada |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
74 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
southern Quebec, Canada |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Feb 17, 1995 |
7 km WSW of Greene, Maine |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Feb 13, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Tamworth, New Hampshire |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
9 km W of Valcourt, Canada |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Apr 21, 2010 |
7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Mar 21, 2007 |
3 km NNE of Holderness, New Hampshire |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Jun 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Canada |
M2.6 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
280 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
23 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2001 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2000 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1989 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1972 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1966 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1956 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2012 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2011 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2009 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1994 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Canaan has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 11°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Canaan. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$245 ($147–$392) |
| Specialist Visit |
$343 ($196–$539) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$196 ($98–$343) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,156 ($784–$4,900) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($74–$196) |
| Dental Filling |
$245 ($147–$392) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$588 ($392–$980) |
| Battery Replacement |
$196 ($98–$343) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$147) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$392 ($147–$784) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,860 ($3,920–$11,760) |
| Roof Repair |
$980 ($392–$1,960) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,820 ($5,390–$14,700) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,470 ($490–$3,430) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,700 ($4,900–$29,400) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,900 ($1,960–$9,800) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,470 ($784–$2,940) |
| Will Preparation |
$490 ($196–$980) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,450 ($980–$4,900) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$147 ($74–$245) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.02 ($2.94–$5.39) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.43 ($2.45–$4.90) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.72 ($2.45–$5.39) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.41 ($2.94–$6.37) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.39 ($3.92–$7.35) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$245) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$147) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$147) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$196 ($74–$490) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,960 ($1,176–$3,430) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.84–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$245) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,176 ($588–$2,450) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$980 ($490–$1,960) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$392 ($196–$686) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$980 ($392–$2,450) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,250 ($4,900–$29,400) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$196) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$196 ($98–$392) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Canaan
What is the population of Canaan?
Canaan has a population of 305 residents and is located in Vermont. The population density is 194 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58% female and 42% male.
Is Canaan expensive to live in?
Canaan has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,000 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Canaan safe?
Canaan is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,619 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Canaan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Canaan?
Canaan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in Canaan?
The job market in Canaan faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 180 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Canaan?
The median home value in Canaan is $118,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,138. For renters, the median monthly rent is $742. Fair market rent is $1,203 for a 1-bedroom and $1,487 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,350.
How are the schools in Canaan?
Schools in Canaan score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Canaan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Canaan?
The obesity rate in Canaan is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925.
What is transportation like in Canaan?
The average commute in Canaan is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Canaan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Canaan is 98.4% White. 77.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 22.1% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.