Vermont is a beautiful state with a rich history and culture, but it is also facing some serious challenges in terms of population decline, economic stagnation, and environmental issues. Some towns in Vermont are losing residents faster than others, and here are five of them that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
Rutland
Rutland is the second-largest city in Vermont, but it has been losing population for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rutland’s population declined by 3.0% from 2010 to 2019, the highest rate among Vermont’s counties. Rutland has been struggling with high crime rates, low incomes, and a lack of opportunities for young people. The city has also been hit hard by the opioid crisis, which has claimed many lives and strained the health and social services.
Bennington
Bennington is another town that has seen a significant drop in population in recent years. Bennington County lost 2.2% of its residents from 2010 to 2019, the second-highest rate in the state. Bennington has been affected by the decline of manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, which have traditionally been the main sources of income for the town. Bennington has also faced environmental problems, such as the contamination of drinking water by a chemical called PFOA, which has been linked to various health risks.
Newport
Newport is a town in Orleans County, which is located in the northeastern part of Vermont, also known as the Northeast Kingdom. Newport has experienced a dramatic increase in population from 2010 to 2015, according to the Census Bureau, but this may be due to a statistical error or the temporary influx of workers for the nearby Jay Peak resort. In reality, Newport is facing many of the same challenges as other towns in the region, such as low wages, high poverty, and limited access to education and health care. Newport has also been affected by the EB-5 scandal, which involved a massive fraud scheme that promised to revitalize the area with foreign investments, but instead left behind unfinished projects and lawsuits.
Windsor
Windsor is a town in Windsor County, which is situated in the southeastern part of Vermont, along the Connecticut River. Windsor has a long history as a center of innovation and industry, but it has also suffered from the loss of jobs and population over the years. Windsor County lost 1.6% of its residents from 2010 to 2019, the fourth-highest rate in the state. Windsor has been trying to reinvent itself as a destination for arts and culture, but it still faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, high taxes, and a lack of diversity.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is a town in Windham County, which is located in the southernmost part of Vermont, near the border with Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Brattleboro is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, its progressive politics, and its natural beauty. However, Brattleboro is also dealing with some serious issues, such as population decline, economic inequality, and climate change. Windham County lost 2.5% of its residents from 2010 to 2019, the third-highest rate in the state. Brattleboro has also been affected by the closure of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, which was a major employer and taxpayer for the region.
Conclusion
Vermont is a state that has many attractions and advantages, but it also faces some daunting challenges in terms of population, economy, and environment. Some towns in Vermont are more vulnerable than others, and these are five of them that people are leaving behind in search of better opportunities and quality of life. Vermont needs to find ways to address these issues and to retain and attract more residents, especially young and diverse ones, who can contribute to the state’s future.