Updated: February, 2024

Author: Planning Unit, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

By 2030 we would like to consistently see less than 10% of people in Vermont living below the poverty level.

This number hasn’t changed significantly over the past 20 years, with only minimal increases during periods of national recession. Vermont has remained steady at 10% since 2019.

Looking for more data?

• See previous data similar to this indicator from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for the proportion of people living in poverty.

Economic opportunity is a significant contributor to health status. The ability to afford healthy foods, pay for healthcare, maintain safe and healthy housing, and access healthy places to work and play are all dependent on having enough money.  

The percent of people living in poverty in Vermont is lower than the national rate (12.8% in 2021), however there are still a significant number of people, families, and children who lack the financial resources to get the things they need to be healthy. People living below the poverty level may have less opportunity to maintain or improve their health and well-being.

There are many services available to help people with their essential social and health needs, however, accessing those services is not always easy. Lack of reliable transportation, permanent housing, or childcare are all barriers to accessing services. These same barriers can make it difficult to change jobs or find better housing as well.

Understanding who is living below the poverty level in Vermont is important for many sectors and organizations. The data can help inform budget and policy decisions, the location of social and public health services, and the priorities and strategies of state and community-based organizations. Supporting the health and well-being of everyone in Vermont regardless of their financial situation will improve things for all of us.  

Data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey (Table S1701) shows that in Vermont, there are more people identifying as Black, Asian, Hispanic, or multiracial who live below the poverty level than people who identify as non-Hispanic White.

Although there are many factors at play, it is undeniable that such a clear difference in the financial well-being between large groups of people comes from systemic factors and not from individual actions. Examples of such systemic factors could include housing and property loan discrimination, employment discrimination, or barriers to accessing economic services, social services, medical care, and employment for people who don't speak English as a primary language.

Having enough money provides more options when making choices that develop and improve good health. Choices like where to live, what food to eat, where to play and be active, and when and where to get medical care. Living below the poverty level means that options are often limited. When combined with other systemic factors that also limit options, some people are left with very few good choices.

For example, people face barriers to good health that are multiplied if they also face other barriers to having enough money. Some people face barriers because of discrimination based on their race, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or people who can’t access the same jobs and services because English isn’t their primary language. Likewise, people who aren’t able to obtain additional education beyond high school are more likely to live below the poverty level.

It is also important to remember that poor health can have a negative impact on how many financial resources a person has. For example, the pandemic negatively impacted the economy for almost everyone because of the overwhelming costs and disruptions from COVID-19. People who have chronic health conditions are more likely to live below the poverty level. Reasons for this include the inability to work from home, not having flexible work schedules, limited sick time to go to medical appointments, not being able to get accommodations they need to keep their employment, or having high costs for their healthcare.

Learn more about Older Vermonters age 65+ living below the poverty level.

No single organization or group of organizations can easily change the broad economic situation in Vermont. However, there are opportunities to make sure healthy choices and healthy environments are available and affordable for everyone.

Here are some strategies that we can continue to support and expand.

• Make sure everyone has affordable health insurance and that medical care is available and accessible when needed. Learn more about health insurance coverage in Vermont. See a list of free healthcare clinics in Vermont.
• Increase access to healthy food, even when money is tight or when opportunities to access good food is limited. Learn more about households experiencing food insecurity.
• Ensure families have access to safe and affordable childcare and other support for children. Learn more from Help Me Grow Vermont.
• Help people find and maintain safe and sustainable shelter and housing. This includes making sure people can access the care and resources they need to stay housed. Learn more about the impacts of housing on health.
• Increase opportunities to find and maintain good employment. Including helping people afford additional education if they want it. Learn more about Governor Scott’s strategic focus on workers in Vermont.

The target of 10% was chosen based on historical trends. Many global, national, and local factors impact the economy and ensuring the percent of people living in poverty in Vermont stays at 10% or below will take collective effort.

Data comes from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates (table S1701).

The Federal Poverty Level is a measure of income determined every year by the Department of Health and Human Services. These rates change each year and are used to determine eligibility for many social programs and benefits.