Bennington County Public RecordsVermont

Bennington County, Vermont has around 29,000 residents, with about 20,000 registered voters. Elections include general, primary, local, and special ballots, with 2020 turnout at 73%. Polling locations span towns like Bennington, Manchester, and Shaftsbury. In the 2020 presidential race, Joe Biden won 62% while Donald Trump received 35%. Key issues include local infrastructure and economic development. The county clerk’s office administers elections, overseen by the Vermont Secretary of State. Major parties are Democratic, Republican, and Progressive. Voters can register online or at the town clerk’s office.

Bennington County, VT, is served by about 20 public and private schools, including two main public high schools (Mount Anthony Union and Burr and Burton Academy). Roughly 91% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 34% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings hover around 6/10. The region offers adult education programs through CCV and outreach centers. Schools prioritize safety, with most reporting low incident rates. Educational programs include AP, CTE, and special needs services, supporting a diverse student population.

As of 2022, Bennington County, VT has an employment rate of approximately 61.2%. The largest employment sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance (18.5%), Retail Trade (14.2%), and Accommodation & Food Services (10.6%). Most workers (63.1%) drive alone to work, with a mean commute time of 21.5 minutes; 68.9% work within the county. Common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (13.7%), Sales (10.4%), and Management (9.6%). Manufacturing employs about 8.7% of the workforce, reflecting the region’s diverse economic base.

Bennington County, VT, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with a median home value around $251,000 in 2023, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase. The median rent is approximately $1,125 per month. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to newer condos and apartments, especially in Bennington and Manchester neighborhoods. Popular areas include Old Bennington and North Bennington. Property taxes average 1.79% of a home's assessed value. The market sees steady demand due to picturesque settings and access to outdoor recreation.

As of the 2020 Census, Bennington County, Vermont had a population of 37,347. The median age is 47.8 years, indicating an older population. Females account for about 51.3% and males 48.7%. The county is predominantly White (94.3%), with smaller percentages of two or more races (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Asian (0.7%), and Black or African American (0.8%). The demographic reflects limited racial and ethnic diversity, typical of many rural Vermont counties.

Bennington County, VT, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to FBI data, the county reported a total crime rate of about 1,200 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022. Violent crime (including assault and robbery) accounted for roughly 160 incidents per 100,000, while property crime made up about 1,040 incidents per 100,000. Law enforcement agencies report and track crimes through the Vermont Crime Information Center, supporting local safety initiatives. The area is generally considered safe, with most residents experiencing limited exposure to serious criminal activity.