All in all, Vermont had a pretty good year in 2017. Total personal income increased, the unemployment rate dropped below 3% and, for the twelve months ended November 2017, non-farm employment was up by 5,000 jobs. In addition, maple syrup production was strong and the state’s ski areas had a good year.
The news was not all positive. Vermont’s population continued to slowly decline and age and the number of Persons in Poverty increased.
In the tables below, key Census Bureau information, personal income and employment data and state government statistics will be reviewed. Any reader planning a quiz night will find this particularly interesting!
Key Census Bureau Information: Vermont vs. the USA
| Vermont | USA | |
| 2017 Population Estimate | 623,657 | 325,719,178 |
| 2017 Population Growth | -0.15% | +0.80% |
| % Population Aged 65 and Older | 18.1% | 15.2% |
| 2016 Per Capita Personal Income | $49,984 | $49,246 |
| 2016 Median Household Income | $56,104 | $55,322 |
| 2017 Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 4.1% |
| 2017 Persons in Poverty | 11.9% | 12.7% |
| Median Value of an Owner-Occupied Housing Unit | $218,906 | $184,700 |
| Median Gross Rent/Month | $913 | $949 |
Source: US Census Bureau, Quick Facts Vermont and Quick Facts USA
Vermont Total Personal Income ($ billions)
| 2017 | 2016 | % Change | |
| Total Personal Income | 31.98 | 31.22 | +2.4% |
| -From Earnings | 21.19 | 20.59 | +2.9% |
| –Private Earnings | 16.94 | 16.48 | +2.8% |
| –Earnings from Government and Government Entities | 4.14 | 4.01 | +3.2% |
| -Interest, Dividends, Rental Income and Government Transfer Payments to Individuals | 10.79 | 10.63 | +1.5% |
Source: Vermont Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year 2017
Vermont Non-Farm Employment Trends
| Nov. 2017 | % Total | Nov. 2016 | % Total | |
| Total Non-Farm Employment | 317,600 | 100% | 312,600 | 100% |
| -Private Employment | 262,100 | 82.5% | 257,200 | 82.3% |
| -Government Employment | 55,500 | 17.5% | 55,400 | 17.7% |
Source: Vermont Department of Labor
Vermont Non-Farm Employment: Top Ten Sectors in 2016
| Sector | Number of Employees | % Total | % Change Since 2007 |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 50,900 | 16.3% | +15.2% |
| Retail Trade | 38,000 | 12.1% | -5.5% |
| Accommodations and Food Service | 32,200 | 10.3% | +11.4% |
| Local Government Education | 22,500 | 7.2% | -0.8% |
| Manufacturing: Durable Goods | 18,700 | 6.0% | -28.4% |
| Construction | 15,300 | 4.9% | -8.9% |
| Professional & Technical Services | 14,400 | 4.6% | +8.7% |
| Education Services | 13,500 | 4.3% | +3.1% |
| Manufacturing: Nondurable Goods | 11,200 | 3.6% | +14.3% |
| Administrative & Waste Services | 11,200 | 3.6% | +27.3% |
Source: Vermont Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year 2017
The 10-year shift in employment is striking. Note the decline in durable goods manufacturing (down 28.4%) and the increase in lower paying service jobs ( health care services up 15.2% and food service & accommodation up 11.4%)
Other Vermont Statistics
| Category | 2017 | 2016 |
| Key Industries | ||
| -Gallons of Maple Syrup | 1,980,000 | 1,990,000 |
| -Number Ski Visits | 3,900,000 | 3,200,000 |
| State Government Employees | 8,377 | 8,182 |
| Average Expenditures/Public Student | $18,877 | $18,427 |
| Law & Order | ||
| -Number of State Law Enforcement Officers | na | 374 |
| -Number of Sherriff Department Law Enforcement officers | na | 131 |
| -Number State Police Vehicles | 496 | 528 |
| -Total Corrections Population | 9,692 | 9,809 |
| -Number of Corrections Employees | 1,065 | 1,036 |
| Transportation | ||
| -State Highway Miles | 2,709 | 2,709 |
| -Total Snowplowing Hours | na | 180,069 |
| -Structurally Deficient Bridges | na | 44 |
| -Bridges Over 20 Feet | 1,089 | 1,089 |
| -Paving Projects (miles) | na | 220 |
Source: Vermont Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year 2017
Well, there you go. Pretty much everything you need to know in one convenient location!
