Cost of Living in Pownal, VT

Population 3,265 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023

76
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pownal is a smaller Vermont community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $63,984 and housing costs ($237,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 30 miles east of Albany, Pownal falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Albany's $223,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 78
Rent 73

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Pownal

The median home value in Pownal is $237,400 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $953/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,984/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Vermont's top state income tax rate is 8.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.2%. The climate averages highs of 57.6°F and lows of 35.8°F. Overall, Pownal has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$237,400
22% below avg
Median Rent
$953/mo
27% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$936
1 BR
$1,069
2 BR
$1,225
3 BR
$1,709
4 BR
$1,986
Owner-occupied 93.5%
Renter-occupied 6.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$953
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,567/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.9 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Carpooled
7.1%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
12.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 8.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.2%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.2%
Property Tax 1.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$63,984
14% below avg
Per Capita Income
$41,969
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
61% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
57.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.7%
Graduate degree 15.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 48.9
Male median age 52.2
Female median age 45.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.6°F
Avg Low
35.8°F
Annual Precip
38.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323544576976817972604938
Low °F 131423344452575548382921
Precip" 2.371.942.652.493.474.054.653.863.823.612.772.90

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 38 — Good
80.8%
Good air days/yr
157
Max AQI recorded
144
PM2.5 days
215
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pownal, VT?

Pownal has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pownal, VT?

The median gross rent in Pownal is $953 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pownal?

The median home value in Pownal is $237,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Pownal?

The median household income in Pownal is $63,984 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pownal, VT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pownal is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.

Is Pownal, VT affordable?

Yes, Pownal is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Pownal?

Pownal has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 35.8°F. Annual precipitation is 38.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Pownal at a Glance

Population
3,265
Median Income
$63,984
Home Value
$237,400
Median Rent
$953/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Avg High Temp
57.6°F
Sales Tax
6.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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