Chittenden County, Vermont

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.2 | 169,481 people · 10th most distressed in Vermont
American Default Research

Behind on your mortgage or facing eviction? Take a 2-minute assessment to see your options.

Chittenden County, VT ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.2 — 2639th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where a large share of households spend more than 30% of income on housing. Within Vermont, it ranks 10th of 14 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 4 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Chittenden County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 92.3 — worse than roughly 92% of U.S. counties.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 92.3
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 95
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 90
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 97
Homeownership Rate 87
Economic Vitality 76.2
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 92
Rent-to-Income Ratio 88
Business Formation Rate 26
House Price Change (YoY) 60
Legal Distress 7.1
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 7
Structural Poverty 6.8
Unemployment Rate 1
Poverty Rate 6
Income vs. State Median 10
Child Poverty Rate 1
Disability Rate 13
Transfer Income Dependency 7
Consumer Credit Distress 6.7
Debt in Collections 6
Medical Debt 7
Auto Loan Delinquency 13
Credit Card Delinquency 6
Uninsured Rate 3
Subprime Credit Population 4

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Chittenden County
Chittenden County, VT 32.2 Healthy —
Clinton County, NY 52.9 Elevated +20.7
Essex County, NY 41.4 Normal +9.1
Franklin County, VT 36.9 Normal +4.7
Grand Isle County, VT 35.4 Normal +3.2
Lamoille County, VT 28.6 Healthy -3.6
Washington County, VT 27.5 Healthy -4.7
Addison County, VT 26.7 Healthy -5.5

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Chittenden County
Rockingham County, VA 32.2 Healthy +0.0
Chelan County, WA 32.3 Healthy +0.1
Carroll County, NH 32.3 Healthy +0.1
Carroll County, MD 32.3 Healthy +0.1
Sarpy County, NE 32.1 Healthy -0.2

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Chittenden County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Chittenden County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Chittenden County.

CHAMPLAIN HOUSING TRUST
Burlington
802-861-7394 Website
Foreclosure PreventionFinancial CounselingFinancial CounselingHome Improvement/Rehab
OPPORTUNITIES CREDIT UNION
Burlington
802-495-5456 Website
Foreclosure PreventionFinancial CounselingFair HousingPost-Purchase

See all counselors in Vermont →

Find an Attorney

Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 802-223-2020

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Chittenden County residents at no cost.

Vermont Legal Aid 1-800-889-2047
Legal Services Vermont (800) 889-2047

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in Vermont →

Continue Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Chittenden County, Vermont?

    Chittenden County has a County Distress Index score of 32.2 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,639th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 10th in Vermont out of 14 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Chittenden County?

    The primary driver of distress in Chittenden County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 92.3 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Chittenden County compare to neighboring counties?

    Chittenden County (32.2) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Clinton County, NY (52.9); Essex County, NY (41.4); Franklin County, VT (36.9).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Chittenden County's score of 32.2 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Chittenden County's CDI score?

    Chittenden County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Chittenden County?

    Chittenden County, Vermont has a population of approximately 169,481 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.