Demographics
Grand Isle County, Vermont, had a 2020 population of approximately 7,293. The median age is about 51, reflecting a relatively older population. Gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. The county is predominantly White (about 94.7%), with small percentages of people identifying as Two or More Races (2.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), and Asian (0.7%). African Americans and Native Americans each comprise less than 1% of the population.
Elections
Grand Isle County, VT, has roughly 5,900 residents with about 4,500 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, often with turnout rates above 70%. In 2020, over 60% voted Democratic in the presidential race. Polling locations are in each of the county's five towns. Major issues include lake health and property taxes. The county is administered by town clerks and a Board of Civil Authority. Active parties are Democratic, Republican, and Progressive. All elections are conducted with paper ballots and same-day registration is available.
Education, Employment and Housing
Grand Isle County, VT, has 5 public schools serving about 700 students, with no high school; students typically attend high schools in neighboring counties. Around 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly above Vermont’s average. School safety ratings report low incidents, with a 93% graduation rate. Educational programs include STEM clubs and community partnerships. Adult education is offered through local community college outreach, with participation rates around 7%. Average district test scores are close to state averages, with a 55% proficiency in reading and 45% in math.
Grand Isle County, VT, had an employment rate of approximately 64.2% in 2022. Major employment sectors include educational services, health care, and social assistance (27%), retail trade (10%), and accommodation and food services (10%). The most common occupations are in management, business, science, and arts (36%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 32 minutes. Many work locally, but a significant portion commutes to Chittenden County, including Burlington, for employment opportunities.
Grand Isle County, VT, features a homeownership rate of around 87%, among the highest in the state, with a median home value of approximately $340,000 as of 2023. Rentals are limited, with a median rent near $1,200/month. Housing consists primarily of single-family homes and vacation properties, especially in Alburgh and South Hero. Waterfront and lake access homes are prized, driving up prices. Property tax rates average 1.7%, meaning annual taxes on a median-value home are about $5,780. Market trends indicate modest price growth and limited inventory, making the area competitive for buyers.
County Crime & Safety
Grand Isle County, Vermont, consistently reports low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county saw only 42 total reported crimes, translating to approximately 6.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is rare, with only 2 incidents reported, while property crimes—mainly theft and burglary—totaled 40. The Grand Isle Sheriff's Department and Vermont State Police collaborate on reporting, ensuring comprehensive transparency. Residents generally rate the area as safe, with crime rates nearly 60% lower than the overall Vermont average, reinforcing Grand Isle's reputation for community safety.
Popular names
- Alan Kinney
- Andre Quintin
- Anna Bedard
- Ashley Brisson
- Ashley Mitchell
- Attrude Bennett
- Barbara Ganin
- Barbara Rousseau
- Brandon Allen
- Carla Langlois
- Carrie Schirmer
- Christopher Brown
- Christopher Smith
- Colleen Hickey
- Daisy Hall
- Dale Costello
- Dale Jones
- David Pullman
- Debra Morgan
- Edmund Gabree
- Eric Noble
- Erin Prouty
- James Gotshall
- James Kilbride
- James Perry
- Jennifer Pratt
- Jeremy Grenon
- Jocelyn Potvin
- John Davis
- Jonathan Kirkpatrick
- Katelynn Irish
- Keith Straight
- Kelly Partlow
- Kristen Tourville
- Larry Cameron
- Lee Jarvis
- Lola Scandore
- Louis Cline
- Meddie Gingras
- Melissa Roberts
- Michael Cameron
- Michael Gardner
- Mike Francis
- Nathaniel Hayward
- Nicholas Poissant
- Patricia Rose
- Paul Brunton
- Randall Gover
- Rita Latimer
- Robert Hazen
- Sherry Dumont
- Susan Lawrence
- Tammy Brunton
- Timothy Kelly
- Timothy Tatro
- Trina Lockerby
- Troy Toth
- Wendy Duval
- Aaron Hall
- Adam Greenleaf