Updated September 2024

Author: Vermont Agency of Human Services, Central Office

We want to see the percent of people in Vermont living below 185% of the poverty level decrease.

In recent years, this specific measure of poverty has remained level, without significant changes beyond normal data fluctuation. The full story is more complex. For one, the most recent data is for 2023 and may not yet be reflecting the full economic impacts of the pandemic. Also, the level of poverty varies among towns and counties in Vermont, and between different population characteristics, such as race and ethnicity, gender, and level of education.

You can find more data and information about poverty in Vermont from the Healthy Vermonters 2030 poverty indicator.

Poverty is one of the most complex and important influences on economic stability and overall well-being for people and communities. Because of this, nearly every government entity and non-profit organization in Vermont that is focused on meeting the needs of Vermonters and improving their social environment has a role to play. This includes everything from housing, food access, healthcare, childcare, employment, education, public safety, commerce, and more. Individual services and supports for people and families, as well as large systems of funding and statewide governance and development all impact the economic well-being of Vermont. Even national economic trends and federal government policies play a role in helping people in Vermont achieve and maintain a level of economic security.

Helping to align the strategies and resources of these various systems and organizations is an important way to make sure partners are working together to improve the lives of everyone in Vermont.

This measure is an important indicator for our state, as poverty has a significant impact on overall wellbeing. The effects of poverty do not only impact individuals, but whole communities. 

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.

Equity

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.

Ensuring people and communities in Vermont are able to thrive and improve their well-being is an essential role of government. 

These data are taken from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, Table S1701. This measure was not calculated as usual for 2020 due to interruptions in normal processes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.