Is Winooski Safe, Pros and cons of living in Winooski

Winooski, Vermont, offers a unique blend of small-city charm and accessible urban amenities, nestled along the Winooski River. Known for its dense population and vibrant community, the city provides a distinct living experience within the broader Burlington metropolitan area. Its location offers residents the benefit of proximity to larger cities while maintaining its own character and identity.

The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the Winooski River, which powered early industries and shaped its development. From its origins as a mill town to its modern-day revitalization, Winooski has continuously adapted, transforming old industrial spaces into new centers for commerce and living. This evolution has created a dynamic environment that respects its past while embracing the future.

Is it Safe to Live in Winooski?

Winooski generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with a crime safety grade of B- (as of May 2026) and an overall crime rate that is 20% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 383 per year, which is 31% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The city boasts a low risk for burglary, which is 47% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

While Winooski is considered safe, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. The northwest part of the city is often considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are slightly lower than the national average, with specific rates for murder, assault, and robbery all being below the national figures (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also generally lower than the national average, though larceny/theft is a slight concern (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Rental Market

The housing market in Winooski is characterized by a median listing price of $407,500 as of March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). The median home value in Winooski was $427,517 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homeownership in Winooski is lower than the national average, with a rate of 35.2% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Winooski are generally higher than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent is $1,970 per month, which is 20% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,970 per month, while a two-bedroom averages about $2,376 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). To afford the average rent, a monthly income of approximately $6,566, or $78,792 annually, is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Winooski’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector, with the number of employed individuals increasing by 3.32% from the previous year, reaching 5,782 people in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common industries for Winooski residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Winooski, Vermont, was $78,958 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Vermont was 2.6% in March 2026, which is unchanged from the previous month and lower than the U.S. overall rate (as reported by USAFacts). Chittenden County, where Winooski is located, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state at 2.2% (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the Winooski area contribute to the local economy, though specific company names were not consistently detailed across all sources.

Climate and Environment

Winooski experiences a climate typical of New England, with distinct seasons. The average high temperature is around 56°F, with an average low of 36°F (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives approximately 38 inches of rain annually, alongside an average snowfall of 83 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

The weather can be dynamic, with periods of heavy rain and showers expected throughout the year, particularly in the spring and fall (as reported by the National Weather Service). Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are generally mild and pleasant.

Education and Schools

Winooski’s educational landscape includes public schools serving the community. Winooski High School has an overall Niche grade of C, with specific grades varying across different categories like Academics (C-) and Diversity (A) (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Winooski High School is approximately 7 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 17% of students are proficient in math and 26% in reading (as reported by Niche). The Winooski School District itself holds an overall Niche grade of C- (as reported by Niche). The district is noted for its diverse student body, a rarity in Vermont, and its dedicated teachers who strive to support individual student needs (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Diversity

Winooski is a city with a population of approximately 8,293 people as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The city is notably diverse, with a significant portion of residents born outside the country, at 9.26% (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition includes White (Non-Hispanic) residents at 6.37k people, followed by Asian residents at 1.06k, and Black or African American residents at 266 (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in Winooski is 33.3 years (as reported by Data USA). The city’s poverty rate is 13.8%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Winooski has a higher proportion of Asian residents compared to the state average, and is considered more diverse than Vermont as a whole (as reported by Census Bureau).