The Biggest Cities In Vermont

State of Vermont

The US state of Vermont is located in the country's New England region. It is the second least populous state in the US, with an estimated population of 623,657 in 2017. Covering an area of 24,923 square km, Vermont is also the county’s sixth smallest state by area. Vermont is subdivided into 14 counties and 255 municipalities. However, only 9 of these municipalities are incorporated as cities. Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the country. In 2016, it was ranked as the safest US state.

The Five Most Populated Cities in Vermont

1. Burlington

Burlington is the biggest city in Vermont, with a population of 42,417 in 2010. The city serves as the seat of Chittenden County and is located near the US-Canada international border. Burlington is a regional college town, and home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College. The state’s biggest hospital, the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM), is also located within the city. In 2015, Burlington became the first city in the US to operate completely on renewable energy.

2. South Burlington

Located in Chittenden County, South Burlington is the second most populated city in Vermont, with a population of 17,904 in 2010. The state’s largest mall, the University Mall, and its biggest airport, Burlington International Airport, are both located in the city. The headquarters of Ben & Jerry's, the American company famous for its ice cream, is also located in South Burlington.

3. Rutland

Rutland is Vermont’s third most populous city. It has a population of 16,495 and serves as the county seat of Rutland County. Rutland is located approximately 20 miles east of the state of New York and 65 miles north of Massachusetts. The downtown area of Rutland is a designated historic district. In fact, 108 buildings in the downtown are included in the National Register of Historic Places. 

4. Barre

The fourth most populated city of Vermont, Barre, has a population of only 9,052. The area that is now Barre was first settled by Europeans in 1788. It was originally called Wildersburgh, but later renamed Barre after Irish soldier and politician Isaac Barré. The city is located near vast deposits of granite, which helped grow its economy. In fact, the city proclaims itself as the "Granite Center of the World." The city is largely surrounded by a town named Barre, but the city and town of the same name are distinct municipalities.

5. Montpelier

Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont. With a population of only 7,855, it is the state’s fifth biggest city. Named after the city of Montpellier in southern France, Montpelier, Vermont is the country’s least populated state capital. Although the population of Montpelier is small, its daytime population is much higher, increasing to approximately 21,000. This temporary population boost is composed of employees who arrive from the suburbs or nearby towns to work in the city.

Composition of Vermont’s Population

The vast majority of Vermont's population (94.3%) identify as white (not of Latino or Hispanic origin), which is the second highest proportion of any state other than Maine. Vermont has one of the highest divorce rates in the country, and the second highest LGBT population density, after the District of Columbia.