St. Albans
RANK #521 / 996 NAT · POP 50,101
1YR FORECAST: -0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Franklin County, Vermont, is known for its agricultural heritage and natural scenery, particularly around Lake Champlain. St. Albans, the county seat, is recognized as the "Maple Syrup Capital of the World" and hosts the annual Vermont Maple Festival. Located in northwestern Vermont, the county borders Quebec, Canada, and is about 30 miles north of Burlington. Commuting to Burlington is often easier from towns along I-89 than from some closer areas. The community offers a rural feel with access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, biking on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and water activities on Lake Champlain.
Life in Franklin County often appeals to those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle. Many residents own their homes, and the area attracts families and young professionals. While agriculture, especially dairy and maple syrup production, remains a significant part of the economy, there's also a growing diversity in specialty crops. The county has seen an increase in housing costs, similar to the rest of northwestern Vermont. Public transportation, including commuter routes to St. Albans City and connections to Burlington, is available through Green Mountain Transit. Schools in the county include Montgomery Elementary School and Franklin Central School.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Franklin County scores 47/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#521). Median household income is $73,633. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Franklin County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $263,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,125/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Franklin County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of 0.0%). Home values shifted +0.3% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.98% of Franklin County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.