Top 10 Safest Cities in Vermont

There’s plenty to like about living in Vermont. Enjoy skiing? You can find a slope at each point of the compass. A foodie? The Green Mountain State is a major producer of maple syrup and is becoming increasingly known for its artisanal food scene. But another major draw is its safety rating.

In 2018, Wallethub named Vermont the Safest State in America, and CNBC awarded it the title of Best State to Live in America. According to SafeWise,Vermont beats the national rates for property and violent crime. Vermont reported 19.89 property incidents per 1,000 people, compared to the national rate of 27.11. While nearly all the cities in the Green Mountain State are considered safe, let’s take a look at the top 10.

The Top 10 Safest Cities in Vermont

1. Shelburne

• Population: 592
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 38
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 460
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

75% Below National Crime Rate

Welcome to the safest city in Vermont, Shelburne, sitting peacefully near Lake Champlain, at the northwest border of the state. It’s dotted with stately 19th century country homes, against a backdrop of mountains and captivating blue skies. Quiet dirt roads meander across tree-lined tracts of land, leading you right into a dreamland. 

2. Middlebury

• Population: 6,922
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 58
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 952
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

54% Below National Crime Rate

Sliding in next is the shire town of Middlebury, home to Middlebury College. Locals rave about living in this small community, where more than 30 percent walk to work. Academic opportunities abound and are a major reason for the community’s appeal. The median home price for a home in Middlebury is $247,100.

3. Barre

• Population: 7,924
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 129
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 927
• Most Common Crime: Property

85% Below National Crime Rate

The third safest city in Vermont, Barre (popularly known as Barre Town) is tucked away within the Green Mountains in the central part of the state. This intimate community is divided into four homey villages, each offering majestic views of the mountains awash in natural splendor. The rural environment provides plenty of outdoor activities such as bike paths and panoramic sightseeing quests. Folks here say Barre offers an unparalleled quality of life. Come see why. 

4. Colchester

• Population: 17,067
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 144
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,539
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

57% Below National Crime Rate

Known for its agricultural roots, Colchester offers luscious farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Living this close to nature, you can serve up a host of organic options for your next dinner party. The farmer’s market is the preferred place for New Englander’s shoppers. Colchester is a stone’s throw to the shore of Lake Champlain, where locals say a real Loch Ness monster lurks. Alleged sightings of the frightful creature have captured the imaginations of locals and tourists. Pack your bags – if you dare!

5. Essex

• Population: 19,587
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 79
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 922
• Most Common Crime: Property

84% Below National Crime Rate

Also located near Lake Champlain is Essex, the second most populous city in Vermont. Majestic landscaping, safe, walkable streets and a highly respected school system make this town a good one to keep at the top of your list for relocation. Median home prices are near the $270,000 mark. Many millennials have Essex on their radar, as it’s an up and coming city.

6. Swanton

• Population: 6,427
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 122.0
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 609.8
• Most Common Crime: Property

63% Below National Crime Rate

A picturesque place to spend a lifetime, Swanton is known as one of the most attractive communities in the state. The Missisquoi River snakes through the town and empties into Lake Champlain. You’ll find a mixture of chain stores and family-owned businesses. The median home price is $207,600, and another perk for families is the 10-1 student-teacher ratio. 

7. Milton

• Population: 1,861
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 145.1
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 762.0
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

58% Below National Crime Rate

Imagine a country road, horses, barns, open fields and acres of woods, and you’re in Milton. It’s a snapshot of yesterday that you’d expect to find on a puzzle of New England. This breathtaking town has ranked among Money Magazine’s top 10 “Best Places to Live” three times. It has historic streets to stroll on, museums to tarry in and wildlife to gawk at.

8. Williston

• Population: 8,698
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 72
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,285
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

87% Below National Crime Rate

Living in Williston is a bit on the pricy side; the cost of living is 11.8 percent higher than the U.S. average. The median home price is $310,500,  with some homes flirting with $800,000. Williston is just a quick drive to Burlington International Airport, and is home to one of the state’s largest shopping areas. Locals are mesmerized by the watercolor-painted sunrises and beautiful maple trees lining the narrow country roads.

9. Morristown

• Population: 2,183
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 110
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,260
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

79% Below National Crime Rate

Morristown is nestled in a valley along the winding Lamoille River and only a quick 10 minutes from Stowe, the ski capital of the East. This town calls to those who enjoy strolling through the pages of history: Old mansions have been transformed into museums that display captivating antique collections.

10. Northfield

• Population: 2,677
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 266.4
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 582.8
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

60% Below National Crime Rate

This charming town is located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains and is home to Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the nation. This town may be small, but with the median home price at $183,800, you’re certain to fall in love. An added bonus: The cost of living is 9.4 percent lower than the national average.