Median Income
$78,162
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$246,900
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.6%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,631
40% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.6%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How South Barre Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,259
Median Age52.6 yrs
Density649/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,162
Per Capita$55,714
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,191M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$246,900
Rent$1,631
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$294,851
Housing Units711
Rent Burden17.3%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property2,349/100K
Health
Obesity26.6%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking11.9%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,077 ft (328 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.6%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score6.38
Community
2024 VoteR 27% / D 70%
Commute15 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations8
Libraries13
Is South Barre a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Barre receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. South Barre offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Barre is $78,162, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Barre is $246,900, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,631 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Barre is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,349 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Barre has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
South Barre has a population of 1,259 with a density of 649 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 52.6 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 6.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.6yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Barre vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Barre vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Barre is $78,162, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,714 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,304. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 3,178 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.7% of workers work from home.
Income: South Barre vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,162 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,714 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,280 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,178 |
| County GDP | $5,191M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 223 |
| Retail | 321 |
| Manufacturing | 121 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,221 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
The median home value in South Barre is $246,900, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,851, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,631 (40% above 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. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 711 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $8,221 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $246,900 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,851 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,631 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.3% |
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 | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 711 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,221 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
In South Barre, 26.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 24.7% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 17.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,034. The dentist ratio is 1:1,155. 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Barre vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.2% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 26.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,034 |
| Dentists | 1:1,155 |
| Mental Health | 1:153 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,124/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 223 |
South Barre has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,349 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Barre receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Barre vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.1/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,349.1/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Barre has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. The city sits at an elevation of 1,077 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,077 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 649/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1607°N, 72.5023°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Patrick Leahy Burlington International (BTV) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
103 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Mar 9, 1999 |
7 km NW of Dannemora, New York |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
253 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
60 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1973 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1957 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1955 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2022 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
South Barre has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 17°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in South Barre. 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 South Barre
What is the population of South Barre?
South Barre has a population of 1,259 residents and is located in Vermont. The population density is 649 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is South Barre expensive to live in?
South Barre has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,162, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $246,900 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,631 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Barre safe?
South Barre is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Barre receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Barre?
South Barre has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in South Barre?
The job market in South Barre is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,304. There are 3,178 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Barre?
The median home value in South Barre is $246,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,851. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,631. Fair market rent is $1,203 for a 1-bedroom and $1,487 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $8,221.
How are the schools in South Barre?
Schools in South Barre score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.6% of adults in South Barre hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Barre?
The obesity rate in South Barre is 26.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 17.2% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,034.
What is transportation like in South Barre?
The average commute in South Barre is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Barre?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Barre is 92.2% White, 6.4% Black or African American. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.