Bellows Falls has been named the poorest town in Vermont for 2024, according to recent analyses of income and poverty data.
With a population of 2,824, Bellows Falls stands out due to its combination of low median household income—$52,813, the second lowest in the state—and a high poverty rate of 19.7%, the third highest in Vermont.
These factors, combined with limited job opportunities, have led to its ranking at the bottom of the state’s economic ladder.
While the cost of living in Bellows Falls is relatively low compared to other Vermont towns, the economic challenges remain significant for many residents.
The town’s struggles are emblematic of broader issues facing some Vermont communities, where affordable housing and job creation remain ongoing concerns.
Other towns and cities with high poverty rates and low median incomes include St. Albans, Barre, and Newport, but Bellows Falls currently holds the distinction of being the poorest based on a combination of these economic indicators.
It’s worth noting that some sources also highlight West Brattleboro as a particularly impoverished area, with a median household income of $36,618 and a poverty rate of 19.4%, which is well below the state median and above the statewide poverty rate.
However, in terms of official rankings and population size, Bellows Falls is most frequently cited as the poorest town in Vermont for 2024.
Sources:
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-vermont/
- https://www.vermont-demographics.com/richest_cities
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-best-places-to-live-in-vermont-in-2025.html
- https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/SHP_VT.pdf
- https://vermontdailychronicle.com/the-poorest-town-in-vermont-is/