A widely recognized notion is that higher median household income and wages generally contribute to greater financial stability for individuals and families, reducing the likelihood of experiencing homelessness. Additionally, access to secure, well-paying employment opportunities can mitigate the risk of homelessness by providing individuals with the financial means to afford necessities, including housing.
Conversely, low median household income, inadequate wages, and scarce job prospects can elevate the risk of homelessness for individuals and families as they struggle to afford essential needs such as shelter.
Furthermore, homelessness can have repercussions on the local job market and economy by deterring businesses from investing or relocating to an area due to negative perceptions about the safety and stability of the community. As a result, it can constrain the region's job prospects and economic development.
However, the data available on Vermont Housing Finance Agency indicates that higher median household income and wages do not necessarily guarantee greater financial stability for individuals and families or alleviate the issue of homelessness.
Franklin County
Orleans County
$65,314
Grandlsle County
$54,390
162
$81,667
Essex County
33
1
$47,035
The second-highest county of
median household income in Vermont
Lamolle County
1
$64,179
Caledonia County
Chittenden County
57
$52,481
$76,316
139
668
Washington County
$64,862
389
The county with the highest number
of homeless people in Vermont
Addison County
Orange County
$70,262
97
$62,737
38
Median Household Income
Windsor County
$61,503
Vermont
$63,447
139
Rutland County
$57,176
374
Legend
81,667
47,035
Bennington County
Number of Homelessness
$58,200
278
Vermont
2,780
Windham County
$54,188
404
Source: Vermont Housing Finance Agency • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
Franklin County
Orleans County
$65,314
Grandlsle County
$54,390
162
$81,667
Essex County
33
1
$47,035
The second-highest county of
median household income in Vermont
Lamolle County
1
$64,179
Caledonia County
Chittenden County
57
$52,481
$76,316
139
668
Washington County
$64,862
389
The county with the highest number
of homeless people in Vermont
Addison County
Orange County
$70,262
97
$62,737
38
Windsor County
$61,503
139
Rutland County
$57,176
374
Bennington County
$58,200
278
Windham County
$54,188
404
Number of Homelessness
Median Household Income
Legend
Vermont
47,035
2,780
81,667
Vermont
$63,447
Source: Vermont Housing Finance Agency • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
This map of Vermont displays the median household income and the distribution of homelessness by county for the year 2021. The map provides a visual representation of the economic landscape of the state and the prevalence of homelessness in different regions.
Upon analyzing the map data, it was revealed that Chittenden County boasts the second-highest median household income in Vermont, with a value of $76,316, compared with the other counties in the state.
Data reveals that despite having the second-highest median household income in Vermont, Chittenden County also has the highest number of homeless people among all counties in the state, with a count of 668 individuals.
This figure of Chittenden County accounts for a significant proportion of the state's homeless population, representing approximately 24% of the total.
These findings raise crucial questions concerning the stark economic inequality and challenges faced by the residents of Chittenden County, Vermont.
The data reveals a significant number of homeless individuals in the county, underscoring the urgent need to address the underlying economic and social issues contributing to this situation.
The implications of these findings extend beyond Chittenden County and warrant a broader discussion on strategies to tackle homelessness and promote economic prosperity in the region.
Vermont's high median household income and wages are often perceived as indicators of the state's overall economic well-being. However, as recent data indicates, this perception does not always reflect the whole picture. Homelessness, for instance, is a critical social issue that plagues many Vermont communities. There is a concerning correlation between high income and homelessness, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to address this issue.
While the relationship between income, wages and homelessness in Vermont is complex, there are some critical points to consider. The state's median household income is higher than the national average, and the unemployment rate is relatively low. However, despite the state's economic prosperity, homelessness remains a significant problem, affecting thousands of individuals and families.
To gain a deeper understanding of the correlation between median household income, wage and homelessness in Vermont, we have created a chart that displays the median household income estimates for each county in the state based on household tenure.
The chart provides a comprehensive overview of the overall median household income in Vermont by household type, shedding light on the economic realities faced by residents in different regions of the state.
By examining this data, we can better comprehend the complex relationship between income, wage and homelessness in Vermont.
Estimated Median Household Income by Tenure in Vermont
Vermont
Owner
Renter
All
$
9
0
,
0
0
0
$82,927
$
8
0
,
0
0
0
$
7
0
,
0
0
0
$67,674
Household Type
All
Median Household Income
Owner
$
6
0
,
0
0
0
Renter
$
5
0
,
0
0
0
Year
2021
$39,931
$
4
0
,
0
0
0
$
3
0
,
0
0
0
$
2
0
,
0
0
0
$
1
0
,
0
0
0
$
0
2
0
2
1
2
0
2
1
2
0
2
1
Source:
U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 5-year estimates (Table B25119), U.S. Decennial Census (for years 2010 and earlier)
Description:
Household income refers to the total compensation or wages received by all members living in the same household, prior to tax deductions. A household
includes all the people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. The median income is the middle value when household incomes are
arranged from lowest to highest. A housing unit is defined as owner occupied if the owner or co-owner lives in the unit, even if it is mortgaged or not fully
paid for. All occupied units which are not owner occupied, whether they are rented for cash rent or occupied without payment of cash rent, are classified.
Source: U.S Censue Bureau • Graphic by Zhaozhou Dai
Amid the ongoing pandemic, which has significantly impacted social and economic markets in recent times, a data-driven approach was undertaken to comprehend the median household income in Vermont for the year 2021.
According to the bar chart presented, the median household income in Vermont for 2021 is recorded at $67,674, encompassing both owner and renter household types.
The data reveals that in 2021, Vermont owners earned a median income of $82,927, which accounts for 67.5% of the total, whereas renters earned $39,931, accounting for 32.5% of the total income.
$35,000 to $149,999 60.82%
$150,000 or more
Less than $5,000
$5,000 to $34,999
For individuals delving into Vermont's income landscape, a crucial element of information pertains to households categorized by their income.
Here is a comparison of the average wage of employees working in this location in 2011 and 2021. You can use the middle axis below to drag left and right to see the changes in the average wage of employees in 2011 and 2021.
Average Wage of Employees Working in Different Counties
(Employer-reported)
A decade-long comparison between the years 2011 and 2021 can provide a comprehensive understanding of the growth trajectory of average wages across Vermont's counties.
As per the analysis of the changes in average wages between 2011 and 2021, it is evident that Chittenden County, followed by Windham County, ranks the highest in terms of average wages for both years.
This observation can, to a certain degree, suggest that Chittenden County has a relatively higher economic development level than other Vermont counties, as it maintains a significantly higher average annual wage than its counterparts, even amid the pandemic.
However, our aforementioned map indicates that Chittenden County has the highest homeless population among all Vermont counties, despite its robust economy.
Based on the visual representation above, it is evident that Vermont's average annual median household income exhibits a positive correlation with the number of homeless individuals in the county. The size of the circles in the graph corresponds to the number of jobs available in each county.
When the median household income is higher, the county tends to have more job opportunities, resulting in a corresponding increase in the number of homeless people in the area. For instance, Chittenden County, Washington County, and Rutland County exhibit a higher number of homeless people and simultaneously have a more significant number of job opportunities due to their higher median household income.
This observation highlights an essential socio-economic phenomenon that requires further investigation. Despite the availability of job opportunities, a high median household income does not necessarily ensure that all individuals in the county can access affordable housing, resulting in an increased risk of homelessness.
This phenomenon underscores the need for policies and programs aimed at addressing affordable housing needs in Vermont's high-income counties to mitigate the risk of homelessness among vulnerable populations.
To further elaborate, the positive correlation between median household income and homelessness suggests that the availability of job opportunities alone cannot solve the issue of homelessness in Vermont. Despite the higher income levels in certain counties, the lack of affordable housing options can exacerbate the issue of homelessness.
For instance, Chittenden County, the county with the highest median household income and the number of jobs, also has the highest number of homeless people in all Vermont counties. This indicates that the lack of affordable housing options in Chittenden County may drive people to homelessness, despite job opportunities.
Addressing the issue of affordable housing requires a multifaceted approach encompassing government policies, community initiatives, and private sector involvement. Initiatives such as the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, which provides grants for affordable housing, and the Vermont State Housing Authority's rental assistance program, which offers subsidies for low-income households, can help mitigate the issue of homelessness in high-income counties.
Moreover, private sector involvement in developing affordable housing projects can also play a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the positive correlation between median household income and homelessness in Vermont underscores the need for policies and programs beyond job creation and income growth. By addressing the issue of affordable housing, policymakers and community leaders can work towards building more equitable and sustainable communities that prioritize the needs of all residents.
Data source: Vermont Housing Finance Agency
© By Zhaozhou Dai for Vermont Public
