Demographics
Windham County, Vermont, has a population of approximately 45,000 as of 2023. The median age is about 47 years, indicating an older population. Gender distribution is roughly equal, with 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The county is predominantly White (over 93%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (2%), Black or African American (1.5%), Asian (1.2%), and other races. Around 3% report two or more races. The area has a mix of families and older adults, reflecting Vermont's aging trend.
Elections
Windham County, Vermont, had approximately 33,819 residents in 2020 and around 24,000 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including town meetings and primaries. In the 2020 Presidential Election, 76% backed the Democratic candidate, with just 21% for the Republican. Key issues include climate action and affordable housing. Polling locations vary by town, with Brattleboro’s polls at the American Legion. The county is administered by local town clerks, and the main parties are Democratic and Republican, with Progressives and Independents active. Early and absentee voting are widely used.
Education, Employment and Housing
Windham County, VT, hosts 7 public high schools, with Brattleboro Union High School as the largest. Approximately 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, exceeding Vermont’s average. The county’s high school graduation rate is 90%. School safety is prioritized, with low incident reports and regular safety drills. Educational programs emphasize the arts, STEM, and vocational training. Adult education centers offer GED and continuing education options. Overall, public schools average a 7/10 rating according to GreatSchools, reflecting solid academic performance and inclusive learning environments.
Windham County, VT, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.4% in 2023. Key employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (21.3%), retail trade (12.7%), and educational services (10.5%). Common occupations are in management, business, and science (35%), and service roles (19%). About 72% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 21 minutes; 39% work within the county, while many commute to neighboring counties like Windsor and Cheshire, NH. Remote work is rising, with around 13% of the workforce working from home.
Windham County, VT, has a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $295,000 as of 2024—a rise from prior years. The median gross rent is about $1,100 monthly. Housing types range from historic village homes to rural single-family houses and some multifamily rentals, especially in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls. Popular neighborhoods include West Brattleboro and Putney. Property tax rates average 2% of assessed value annually, among Vermont’s higher rates. The market remains competitive due to steady demand, limited inventory, and ongoing interest from out-of-state buyers.
County Crime & Safety
Windham County, VT maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was about 1,020 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (850 per 100,000) significantly outnumbering violent crimes (170 per 100,000). Local law enforcement actively reports crimes through the Vermont Crime Information Center, promoting transparency. Community safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs have contributed to the county’s safer environment, making serious offenses less common.
Popular names
- Mary Smith
- Robert Smith
- Melissa Brown
- Robert Iii
- Steven Brown
- David Smith
- Kevin Gray
- Kevin Hall
- Kevin Hamilton
- Robert Davis
- Robert Wright
- John Clark
- Patricia Gilbert
- Richard Clark
- William Dixon
- Brian Sullivan
- Daniel Brown
- Daniel Wood
- David Williams
- David Wood
- Gary Lescord
- George Smith
- Jane Smith
- Jeffrey Morse
- Jennifer Smith
- John Baker
- John Williams
- Linda Jones
- Mark Stevens
- Richard Smith
- Richard Stratton
- Sarah Clark
- Sarah Johnson
- Steven Jones
- Tia Humphrey
- Amanda Sargent
- Andi Anderson
- Brian King
- Brian Robinson
- Bruce Thomas
- Christopher Howe
- Christopher Potter
- Colby White
- Colleen Fredette
- Craig Stone
- David Allen
- David Bell
- David Brown
- David Dunn
- David Pratt
- David Wright
- Dennis Moore
- Donald Mutebi
- Erin Robinson
- Gary Clark
- Glenn Letourneau
- Heather Johnson
- James Brown
- James Smith
- Jeremy Clark