Is Barre Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barre
Is it Safe to Live in Barre?
Barre’s overall crime rate is 69% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The violent crime rate in Barre is 80% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Barre.
Barre’s violent crime rate is 135.2% above the national average, with property crime rates also being higher than the national average. Over a five-year period, Barre recorded 717 violent crimes and 1,068 property crimes (according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer). The most common offense was violent crime, with rape having the lowest rate.
Crime Statistics and Trends
The crime rate in Barre is 27.75 per 1,000 residents annually (according to an analysis by AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 22 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 69 in the southeast.
The total projected cost of crime in Barre for 2025 is over $5.3 million, translating to approximately $331 per resident (according to an analysis by AreaVibes). This cost includes criminal justice system expenses, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders. These crime-related costs account for about 0.8% of the median household income in Barre.
Demographics of Barre
Barre, Vermont, is home to approximately 8,412 residents, with a median age of 42.2 years (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with 42.8% male and 57.2% female. The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, with a projected population of 8,217 in 2026, down from 8,478 in 2020 (according to Point2Homes and Vermont Population).
Population Breakdown
The racial makeup of Barre is predominantly White, with 93.3% of residents identifying as Caucasian (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American (0.1%), Asian (2.6%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (3.9%). The foreign-born population in Barre is approximately 4.13%, which is similar to the national average (according to Data USA).
The age distribution shows that about 11.4% of residents are children under 15, and 9.4% are between 15 and 24. Adults aged 25 to 44 constitute 30.9% of the population, with another 29% in the 45 to 64 age bracket. Those 65 and older make up approximately 19.4% of the residents (according to Point2Homes).
Cost of Living in Barre
Barre’s cost of living is considered high, being 32% higher than the U.S. national average and 170% higher than Vermont’s state average (according to Salary.com). This reflects significant increases in housing costs, transportation expenses, and food prices. The monthly cost of living for a single person is estimated at $3,276, and for a family of four, it’s around $7,215 (according to Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Barre are less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home value in Barre is approximately $196,362 (according to Livability.com). However, more recent data from March 2026 indicates the median sale price was $270,000, down 1.8% year-over-year (according to Redfin). Another source lists the median listing price at $310,000 (according to Realtor.com).
The average rent in Barre City is $942 per month (according to Apartments.com). However, other sources indicate the median rent is around $1,400 per month (according to Zumper and Realtor.com). Rent prices can range from $572 for a studio to $3,900 for larger units (according to Trulia).
Job Market and Economy
The economy in Barre employs approximately 4,570 people, with employment growing by 15.3% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors are Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Public Administration. The highest-paying industries include Finance & Insurance and Public Administration.
Major Employers and Salaries
Major employers in Barre include Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Capstone Community Action, and New England Landmark Realty (according to Zippia and Lensa). Other significant employers include Walmart, McDonald’s, and UPS (according to Indeed.com). The average annual salary in Barre is around $46,000, or $22.12 per hour (according to Zippia). However, other sources suggest a median wage of $54,800 per year (according to ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Barre was 5.1% as of February 2026 (according to Data Commons). This is higher than the statewide unemployment rate of 2.6% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts). Washington County, where Barre is located, has an unemployment rate of 2.7% (according to CareerOneStop).
Climate in Barre
Barre experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and freezing, snowy winters (according to myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically range from 9°F to 78°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -9°F or exceeding 85°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The average annual temperature is approximately 45.28°F.
Temperature and Precipitation
The warmest month in Barre is July, with average highs around 77°F and lows of 58°F (according to myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average highs of 27°F and lows of 11°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Annual precipitation averages around 41 inches, with the most rain occurring in July and the least in February (according to myPerfectWeather). Barre receives about 102 inches of snowfall annually (according to myPerfectWeather).
The chance of wet days in Barre varies, with a wetter season from April to October. July sees the most days with precipitation, while February has the fewest (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education in Barre
Barre, Vermont, is served by the Barre Unified Union School District, which educates approximately 2,236 students across various grade levels (according to Niche). The district has an overall rating of C-minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Public schools in Barre have an average math proficiency score of 29% and a reading proficiency score of 35% (according to Niche).
School Ratings and Performance
The top-ranked public schools in Barre include Barre Town Elementary & Middle School, Spaulding Union High School, and Barre City Elementary/middle School (according to Niche). Barre Town Elementary & Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and serves PK-8 grades. Spaulding Union High School serves grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Barre City Elementary/middle School serves PK-8 grades and has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
Statewide, Vermont public schools have an average math proficiency of 40% and reading proficiency of 44% (according to Niche). Minority enrollment in Barre’s schools is about 10%, which is lower than the Vermont average of 13%.
Pros and Cons of Living in Barre
Barre offers a unique blend of historical charm and access to outdoor activities, though it presents challenges in safety and cost of living. The city’s strong sense of community and its granite industry heritage contribute to its distinct character. Its location provides proximity to natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
However, Barre faces issues with higher-than-average crime rates and a cost of living that surpasses both national and state averages. While housing prices are somewhat competitive, overall expenses can be a significant factor for potential residents. The job market shows growth, but salaries may not fully offset the high cost of living.
Conclusion
Barre, Vermont, presents a community with a rich history and access to natural beauty. Its cost of living and crime rates are notable considerations for anyone contemplating a move. The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population with a median age in the early 40s.
The job market is growing, with key sectors in retail and healthcare, though salaries may require careful budgeting against the high cost of living. Barre’s climate offers distinct seasons, from comfortable summers to cold, snowy winters. While schools have mixed performance metrics, they serve the local student population.