Find a Job You Really Want In
Top 10 Vermont Cities with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your career but love your home, you may be considering a new job within your community. The question is, how challenging will it be to find employment in your hometown? To assist you, we present the cities in Vermont with the strongest job markets, determined by their unemployment rates.
Many residents choose their location based on job opportunities, but if you’re contemplating a move to Vermont for its lifestyle or natural beauty, understanding the job market is crucial. Whether you’re seeking to relocate for work or are transitioning careers, knowing where the best employment opportunities are is essential.
We turned to the latest demographic data from the Census Bureau to identify which cities have the lowest unemployment rates. We focused on cities with a minimum population threshold and compiled the data for each city in the Green Mountain State to highlight the best options:
- South Burlington(Jobs)
- Swanton(Jobs)
- Essex Junction(Jobs)
- Montpelier(Jobs)
- Morrisville(Jobs)
- Barre(Jobs)
- St. Albans
- Rutland(Jobs)
- Winooski(Jobs)
- Newport(Jobs)
If you’re an employer seeking a community with a strong workforce, a low unemployment rate is a key indicator of a region’s economic health. In this regard, South Burlington stands out as the top city in Vermont for employment opportunities.
Continue reading to discover how we identified these cities as Vermont’s leading job markets.
For more information about job opportunities in Vermont, check out:
- Search for Jobs in Vermont
- Highest Paying Jobs in Vermont
- Fastest Growing Jobs in Vermont
How We Determined the Cities in Vermont with the Lowest Unemployment Rates
To identify Vermont’s most employed cities, we focused on locations with a population exceeding 2,000 residents and accessible unemployment data. This analysis narrowed our list to 13 cities in the state.
We examined the unemployment rates to rank the cities according to their job market strength. Our data is sourced from the latest American Community Survey by the Census Bureau.
The unemployment rate serves as a primary indicator of each city’s job market health, reflecting the potential for employment whether you’re considering an intrastate, interstate, or intercity move.
We ranked the cities from one to 13, with one being the city with the lowest unemployment rate. In cases of a tie, the larger city received the higher ranking.
If your city is not listed among the top ten, scroll to the end of the post for a detailed chart. Otherwise, learn more about how the top ten cities achieved their rankings.
1. South Burlington
Population: 18,378
Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
South Burlington tops our list with a remarkable unemployment rate of just 4.8%, easily making it the leading contender for job seekers.
Being the front-runner comes with perks, such as a consistently stable job market.
2. Swanton
Population: 2,389
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
In second place, Swanton boasts an unemployment rate of 5.3%. While it may not be first, its strong job market still offers excellent opportunities.
3. Essex Junction
Population: 9,552
Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Essex Junction takes home the bronze with a solid unemployment rate of 5.4%, marking it as a competitive job market.
4. Montpelier
Population: 7,760
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Montpelier, with a population of 7,760, ranks fourth and remains a great choice for those starting their job search.
5. Morrisville
Population: 2,194
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Morrisville claims the fifth position with an unemployment rate of 6.2%, providing residents with solid employment prospects.
6. Barre
Population: 8,955
Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
Barre comes in at sixth place, offering decent employment opportunities with an unemployment rate of 6.7%.
7. St. Albans
Population: 6,889
Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
St. Albans ties with Barre at 6.7% unemployment, showcasing its potential as a viable job market.
8. Rutland
Population: 16,217
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
At eighth place, Rutland presents a competitive job market with a 6.8% unemployment rate, attracting job seekers from surrounding areas.
9. Winooski
Population: 7,250
Unemployment Rate: 7.1%
Winooski, ranking ninth, has an unemployment rate of 7.1%, making it a city to watch for potential employment opportunities.
10. Newport
Population: 4,535
Unemployment Rate: 7.2%
Closing our list at tenth is Newport, Vermont, with a 7.2% unemployment rate. While it may be last on this list, it still represents a strong job market among its peers.
Summary of Unemployment Rates Across Vermont
In conclusion, these are the ten Vermont cities with the lowest unemployment rates, showcasing strong job markets that can support your career aspirations.
If you’re considering a move to Vermont and want to prioritize cities with robust employment opportunities, our top ten list is a great guide.
For further insights on different cities and states throughout the U.S., visit www.zippia.com for comprehensive information—especially if you’re a recent college graduate exploring relocation options.
Lastly, here’s a snapshot of cities in Vermont with the highest unemployment rates:
- Vergennes
- Bellows Falls
- Burlington
Detailed List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in Vermont
| City | Rank | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|
| South Burlington | 1 | 4.8% |
| Swanton | 2 | 5.3% |
| Essex Junction | 3 | 5.4% |
| Montpelier | 4 | 6.0% |
| Morrisville | 5 | 6.2% |
| Barre | 6 | 6.7% |
| St. Albans | 7 | 6.7% |
| Rutland | 8 | 6.8% |
| Winooski | 9 | 7.1% |
| Newport | 10 | 7.2% |
| Burlington | 11 | 7.3% |
| Bellows Falls | 12 | 8.7% |
| Vergennes | 13 | 9.4% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
