The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 05602 sells for about $433,729, or $245 per square foot.
Prices are up +1.6% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 65 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,309 a month.
ZIP 05602 — Montpelier
The Montpelier housing market remains stable with modest price appreciation driven by limited inventory and consistent demand from state-sector employees. While the market is not seeing rapid growth, the low supply of homes keeps competition steady for well-priced properties. Buyers should expect a competitive environment for high-quality, move-in-ready homes.
This ZIP is ideal for government employees, families seeking a stable community, and those who value a small-town atmosphere with access to state-level amenities. It is less suited for those requiring high-density urban transit or rapid-growth investment opportunities.
Median prices moved up 1.6% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 65 days on market with 3.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.7% · poverty 6.7% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 05602, Washington County VT
Montpelier generally experiences low rates of violent crime compared to national averages, with property crime being the primary concern. Trends remain stable, reflecting the typical safety profile of a small, rural state capital.
Public schools in the area are generally well-regarded, with the Montpelier Roxbury School District serving the city and maintaining a strong focus on community-integrated education.
The area faces risks from seasonal flooding, particularly along the Winooski River, and winter weather events. Property insurance premiums are influenced by these environmental factors and the state's overall risk profile.
As the state capital, the economy is anchored by government, education, and healthcare sectors. Development momentum is steady but constrained by the city's historic character and geography.
Property taxes in Vermont are primarily determined by local municipal and school district rates, with a statewide education property tax component. The system includes income-sensitive adjustments for eligible residents.
The ZIP is centrally located in the state, providing relatively short commutes for those working in downtown Montpelier or nearby government offices. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership the primary mode of transport.
Residents have access to numerous parks, the North Branch Nature Center, and extensive trail networks for hiking and skiing. The downtown area offers a compact, walkable district with local shops and dining.
The rental market is tight due to limited housing stock and the presence of state employees and students. Vacancy rates are low, and short-term rentals are subject to local regulatory oversight.
The economy is heavily reliant on the public sector, including state government agencies, the Vermont State House, and local educational institutions. Healthcare and professional services provide additional stability.
The area is served by major highway corridors including I-89, facilitating regional travel. Local transit is provided by Green Mountain Transit, though service frequency is limited.
Development is focused on infill projects and historic preservation within the downtown core. New residential construction is limited by zoning and geographic constraints.
The Washington County appraisal process follows state-mandated standards, with periodic reappraisals to ensure assessments reflect current market values.
Parcels are subject to municipal taxes, school district levies, and potential special assessments for local infrastructure improvements.
Property insurance markets are stable but sensitive to flood risk, particularly for properties located in low-lying areas near the Winooski River.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Twin City Family Fun Center4.25.6 mi
- Stowe Mountain Resort4.218.9 mi
- The Reservoir4.47.8 mi
- Thunder Road4.79.6 mi
- Zenbarn4.67.6 mi
- Ben & Jerry’s4.57.7 mi
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill4.48.5 mi
- Cabot Creamery Store - Waterbury4.78.2 mi
- Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge4.611.4 mi
- Vermont State House4.72.3 mi
- Mad River Glen Ski Area Historic District4.615.7 mi
- Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge4.611.4 mi
- Birds of Vermont Museum4.819.8 mi
- Rock Art Brewery4.819.2 mi
- Vermont Historical Society Museum4.62.4 mi
- Little River State Park4.610.5 mi
- Waterbury Center State Park4.78.8 mi
- Camel's Hump State Park4.812.9 mi
- Hubbard Park4.72.3 mi
- Pinnacle Meadows, Stowe Land Trust4.810.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Large municipal park with trails and a historic stone tower.
Historic seat of state government and major tourist attraction.
Offers educational programs and riverfront trails.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.