Vermont, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and idyllic small towns, has witnessed a significant surge in property values in recent years, attracting both residents and vacation home seekers. This analysis delves into the most expensive ZIP codes in Vermont, based on Zillow’s Home Value Index and the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, offering insights into the dynamics driving these upscale markets. Examining both the latest monthly home values (December 2024) and the average median home values over the preceding twelve months provides a comprehensive understanding of the trends impacting these exclusive communities.
Leading the pack as the most expensive ZIP code in Vermont is 05071, encompassing the predominantly rural area of South Woodstock within the town of Woodstock. This area, situated southwest of Hartford, Vermont, has experienced a recent surge in property values, creating a notable disparity between local incomes and housing costs. While the median and average household incomes in 05071 are relatively high at $111,538 and $99,666 respectively, they are dwarfed by the median home value of $967,805 as of December 2024 – a figure roughly ten times the average household income. This significant gap underscores the impact of external factors, such as increased demand for rural properties and potential influx of wealthier residents, on driving up home prices.
Stowe, a picturesque town east of Burlington and Lake Champlain, represented by ZIP code 05672, claims the second spot in Vermont’s most expensive ZIP codes. This area has witnessed staggering home value appreciation, with the median home value soaring by 63.2% over the five years from December 2019 to December 2024, reaching $942,691. This dramatic increase, particularly the significant jump between 2020 and 2021, highlights Stowe’s desirability as a prime location, likely driven by factors such as its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Burlington.
The third most expensive ZIP code, 05445, encapsulates the charm of both rural New England and a lakeside community, centered on the town of Charlotte on Lake Champlain, south of Burlington. This area boasts a more balanced income to home value ratio compared to other top-tier ZIP codes, with a median household income of $136,385 and an average household income of $165,858. The distribution of income brackets in 05445 reveals a more diverse economic landscape than some other affluent areas, with a significant percentage of households earning between $100,000 and $200,000 annually. Despite this relative balance, home values in 05445 have also seen considerable appreciation, increasing by over 50% between December 2019 and December 2024, reaching a median value of $826,777.
South Pomfret, represented by ZIP code 05067 and located west of Hartford and north of South Woodstock, secures the fourth position. This overwhelmingly rural area has experienced a surge in interest since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, resulting in a corresponding increase in home values. With a median household income of $115,089 and an average household income of $117,986, the median home value in 05067 reached $767,693 in December 2024, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year. The heightened demand for rural properties, driven by factors such as remote work opportunities and a desire for more space and tranquility, likely contributed to this upward trend.
Rounding out the top five is ZIP code 05251, encompassing Dorset in Bennington County, extending from South Dorset to North Rupert, near the New York border. Similar to other high-value areas in Vermont, 05251 exhibits a relatively balanced income distribution, with a significant percentage of households earning between $100,000 and $200,000. However, the area has also witnessed substantial home value growth, with the median home value increasing by 57.3% from $485,803 in December 2019 to $764,344 in December 2024.
These top five most expensive ZIP codes in Vermont exemplify the broader trend of rising property values across the state, driven by a confluence of factors including increased demand for rural and scenic locations, a post-pandemic shift in lifestyle preferences, and potentially an influx of wealth from outside the state. While income levels in these areas are generally high, the rapid appreciation of home values has created a disparity between housing costs and local earnings in some areas, suggesting the influence of broader market forces at play. The continued desirability of Vermont’s unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and proximity to larger urban centers is likely to sustain this upward trajectory in the foreseeable future.
