According to recent data and analyses, the town of Ferdinand in Essex County has been identified as the poorest in Vermont. This small, unincorporated community stands out for its exceptionally low per capita income and unique demographic characteristics.
Economic Status
Ferdinand’s economic situation is stark:
- Per capita income of $9,138, the lowest in Vermont
- Significantly below the state’s median household income of $72,352
- Far below Vermont’s overall per capita income of $27,478
Population and Demographics
Ferdinand’s population is notably small and has fluctuated over time:
- 33 residents as of the 2000 census
- Historical peak of 213 residents in 1910
- Never gained a sufficiently large permanent population to be formally organized as a town
Comparison to Other Low-Income Areas
While Ferdinand ranks as the poorest, several other Vermont towns also face economic challenges:
- Averill: Per capita income of $9,876
- Searsburg: Per capita income of $10,472
- Johnson Village: Per capita income of $11,651
- Holland: Per capita income of $11,936
- Lowell: Per capita income of $12,404
Statewide Context
Vermont’s economic landscape shows significant disparities:
- State median household income: $72,352
- Highest income areas generally in western parts of the state
- Lower income areas concentrated in northeastern regions
- 42% of Vermont adults hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, compared to 31% nationwide
Factors Contributing to Poverty
While specific causes for Ferdinand’s economic situation aren’t detailed in the search results, common factors affecting rural poverty in Vermont may include:
- Limited job opportunities
- Lack of economic diversification
- Geographic isolation
- Aging population
- Limited access to resources and services
Beyond Economic Metrics
It’s important to note that a town’s value isn’t solely determined by its economic statistics:
- Vermont’s natural beauty and quality of life are significant assets
- Strong sense of community in many small towns
- Rich history and cultural heritage
While Ferdinand currently holds the title of Vermont’s poorest town based on per capita income, it’s crucial to view this designation in context. The town’s extremely small population means that individual circumstances can have an outsized impact on overall statistics. Additionally, Vermont as a whole faces challenges in addressing rural poverty and economic disparities between different regions of the state.
As policymakers and community leaders work to address these economic challenges, it’s important to remember that the true wealth of a community extends beyond financial metrics to include factors such as natural resources, community bonds, and quality of life.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://vermontdailychronicle.com/the-poorest-town-in-vermont-is/
[2] https://bestneighborhood.org/household-income-vermont/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vermont_locations_by_per_capita_income
[4] https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/income_stats_2022_town.pdf
[5] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/vermont/poorest-towns-vt
