Welcome!

If you’ve ever dreamed of living, working, playing, and truly being a part of the Vermont way of life, then you've come to the right place!

Nestled in the picturesque New England landscape, Southwestern Vermont encompasses a collection of 17 quintessential Vermont communities - what we call The Shires of Soutwestern Vermont. Connected by the scenic ribbon of Historic Route 7A, also known as The Shires of Vermont Byway, our region offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community life.

Whether you're considering a move to the Green Mountain State or are already part of our community, we invite you to explore all that Southwestern Vermont has to offer. From charming downtowns to breathtaking mountain vistas, there's something here for everyone.

To get a taste of what life in Southwestern Vermont is like: get in touch with our GROW Specialist! Think of them as your concierge to the idea of moving to Vermont! They will provide a glimpse into the unique character and opportunities that await you in our region. Whether you're interested in relocating for work, seeking a new place to call home, trying to figure out the school systems or simply looking for adventure, we're excited to welcome you to Southwestern Vermont!

About the Region

Nestled in the picturesque Southwesternmost corner of Vermont lies a region of unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, affectionately known as The Shires of Southwestern Vermont. While its geographic designation may be "Bennington County," this area has earned a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike, thanks to its unique blend of scenic landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant communities.

Surrounded by the majestic Taconic and Green Mountains, and enriched by the tranquil waters of the Battenkill and Walloomsac rivers, The Shires of Vermont beckons as a four-season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience. Whether you're exploring historic sites, indulging in outdoor adventures, or simply soaking in the charm of small-town life, there's something here for everyone.

But The Shires offer more than just natural beauty. It's also conveniently located within reach of major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey, the Berkshires, and even Canada. This proximity to urban centers adds to the region's appeal, making it an ideal destination for both residents and visitors.

United by a shared sense of place, history, and culture, The Shires boast abundant recreational resources, a proud agricultural heritage, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. From farm-to-table dining experiences to unique shopping destinations, there's no shortage of opportunities to explore and enjoy.

COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,347. The shire towns (county seats) are jointly Bennington ("The Southshire") and Manchester ("The Northshire"), and the largest municipality is Bennington. There are approximately 14,846 households, and 9,917 families living in the county. The population density is 55 people per square mile.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Bennington County, VT are White (Non-Hispanic) (94.4%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.01%), White (Hispanic) (1.39%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (1.09%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (0.379%). NaNk% of the people in Bennington County, VT speak a non-English language, and 98.3% are U.S. citizens.

Education

From early childhood education to higher learning institutions, Bennington County offers a diverse array of educational opportunities that nurture young minds and shape futures.

Early Childhood Education: The foundation of a child's educational journey begins with early childhood education. Bennington County is home to a variety of daycare centers, preschools, and early learning programs that provide a nurturing environment for young children to explore, learn, and grow. These programs focus on fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development, setting the stage for future academic success. Learn more here!

K-12 Education: Bennington County boasts a robust K-12 education system, with public schools that prioritize academic excellence, innovation, and student well-being. From small, rural schools to larger district schools, students have access to a wide range of educational opportunities tailored to their individual needs and interests. Dedicated educators, supportive communities, and enriching extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded educational experience for students across the county.

Additionally, Bennington County is home to private and independent schools that offer alternative educational philosophies and specialized programming. These schools provide families with additional options to meet their educational goals and preferences. Learn more here!

Higher Education: For those pursuing higher education, Bennington County offers access to world-class colleges and universities. Bennington College, a renowned liberal arts institution, provides students with a transformative educational experience grounded in creativity, innovation, and social responsibility. With a focus on experiential learning and interdisciplinary study, Bennington College prepares students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world beyond.

In addition to Bennington College, the county is within proximity to other esteemed higher learning institutions in neighboring regions. These institutions offer a wide range of degree programs, research opportunities, and cultural experiences, further enriching the educational landscape of Bennington County.

Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning: Education is a lifelong journey, and Bennington County is committed to supporting individuals of all ages in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Adult education programs, community workshops, and lifelong learning opportunities abound, providing residents with opportunities to expand their skills, explore new interests, and engage with their community.

“Shirenomics”

The median property value in Bennington County, VT is $209,100, and the homeownership rate is 73.3%. Most people in Bennington County, VT commute by Drove Alone, and the average commute time is 17.8 minutes.

Bennington County, VT borders Franklin County, MA, Berkshire County, MA, Rensselaer County, NY, Washington County, NY, Rutland County, VT, Windham County, VT, and Windsor County, VT.

Median household income in Bennington County, VT is $53,040. In 2018, the tract with the highest Median Household Income in Bennington County, VT was Census Tract 9710 with a value of $68,295, followed by Census Tract 9708 and Census Tract 9713, with respective values of $67,254 and $60,995.

Males in Vermont have an average income that is 1.22 times higher than the average income of females, which is $48,020. The income inequality in Vermont (measured using the Gini index) is 0.442, which is lower than than the national average.

The economy of Bennington County, VT employs 17.5k people. The largest industries in Bennington County, VT are Health Care & Social Assistance (2,699 people), Manufacturing (2,426 people), and Retail Trade (2,406 people), and the highest paying industries are Management of Companies & Enterprises ($90,625), Utilities ($80,563), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($54,028).

Households in Bennington County, VT have a median annual income of $53,040, which is less than the median annual income of $61,937 across the entire United States. This is in comparison to a median income of $52,251 in 2017, which represents a 1.51% annual growth.

Job Search

Pre-register and explore jobs in the Department of Labor’s job bank: www.vermontjoblink.com

The VT Department of Labor hosts a number of statewide facilitated workshops and events:  www.labor.vermont.gov/calendar

One of the DOL’s staple events, is a weekly virtual job fair (#Hiring2DayVT) that is held on Thursday starting at 11am: https://labor.vermont.gov/event/virtual-job-fairs