As a backdrop to The Informed Vermonter’s discussion of Vermont state programs and policies, fundamental information regarding Vermont’s population, economic performance and employment and wage trends is provided below.
As will be outlined in the next several articles, the underlying trends in Vermont do not paint a robust picture. Demographic and economic trends are decidedly mixed and pose challenges in the years ahead.
In the chart below, key Census Bureau data for Vermont is compared to the USA as a whole.
Key US Census Bureau Data, 2015
Vermont | USA | |
Population, 2016 Estimate | 624,594 | 323,127,513 |
Population, 2015 | 626,042 | 321,418,820 |
Population Under Age 18, 2015 | 19.2% | 22.9% |
Population Over Age 65, 2015 | 17.6% | 14.9% |
Population Growth, 2010-2016 | -0.2% | 4.7% |
Median Household Income, 2015 | $55,176 | $53,889 |
% In Poverty | 10.2% | 13.5% |
Median Home Value | $217,500 | $178,600 |
High School Graduation | 91.8% | 86.7% |
College Graduation or Better | 36.0% | 29.8% |
Source: US Census Bureau
Key Observations
Declining Population: Vermont has a stagnant to declining population.
Aging Population: Vermont has a materially greater proportion of people aged 65 and older and this is growing rapidly, from 14.6% of the population in 2010 to 17.6% in 2015.
Shrinking Student Aged Population: The portion of the population aged under 18 has declined from 20.7% in 2010 to 19.2% in 2015 and is below the national average.
Low Poverty Rate: Vermont’s poverty rate is 24.4% lower than the USA average.
High Education Achievement: Vermont has a highly educated population with college graduation rates exceeding the USA average by 20.8%.
As one in the “over 65” category who moved to Vermont a few years ago, I would like to point out some ways in which seniors may not be drain on the economy. Those of us with comfortable retirement incomes spend money on goods and services. Those of us without adequate retirement savings are contributing to the economy by working beyond age 65. Virtually everyone over age 65 has at least some health insurance through Medicare.
I understand that the state needs more young people and families to have a stable and sustainable economy, but I don’t believe that seniors should be considered simply as a drain on the economy.
The Informed Vermonter will be over 65 in the near future!!
I’d say that the over-65 group helps to keep Vermont, well, let’s say Vermont. Millennials on the other hand could remain Vermont’s largest export and considering their perspectives on Yankee traditions, they may not necessarily be a bad thing. 🙂
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work
you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
All the time go after your heart.
I always spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s
articles or reviews every day along with a cup of coffee.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Many thanks
There’s definately a great deal to find out about this issue.
I love all of the points you’ve made.
It’s hard to come by knowledgeable people about this subject, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to
read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will definitely comeback.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your web
site by chance, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t came
about earlier! I bookmarked it.
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser
compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, awesome blog!
thanks
First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not
mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself
and clear your head before writing. I’ve had a difficult time
clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
Thank you!
I find that preparing an outline is a good first step. Hope that helps.
Right here is the perfect website for everyone who would like to understand this topic.
You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that
I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject
which has been written about for decades.
Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting
anywhere, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this
brilliant post.
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m
inspired! Extremely useful info specifically the final part 🙂 I
care for such information a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a very lengthy time.
Thank you and good luck.
Hi! I’ve been reading your site for some time now and finally got the bravery
to go ahead and give you a shout out from
Huffman Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!
Hello from Vermont…and thanks.