Who Should NOT Move to Rutland?

Rutland is probably not the right fit for movers seeking a low-income-tax state, strong sustained population growth, zero flood-risk exposure, or strong confidence in a single, low, undisputed crime-rate figure.

Exploring the idea of moving?

We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.

Learn more

Anyone Seeking a Low-Income-Tax State

Given Vermont's genuinely HIGH graduated state income tax (3.35%-8.75% top rate) -- among the higher top rates of any income-tax state -- movers prioritizing a low-income-tax jurisdiction should compare Rutland directly against other, more clearly low-income-tax markets in this project's dataset.

Anyone Requiring Strong, Sustained Population Growth

Given Rutland's real, cited, ongoing population decline (approximately -3.15% since the 2020 Census) and its real, documented connection to past industry closures and a well-documented opioid epidemic, movers specifically seeking a strong-growth market should weigh this honestly against Rutland's genuine affordability.

Anyone Highly Risk-Averse to River Flooding

Given Rutland's defining position directly on Otter Creek (with a real, documented history of significant flooding, most severely Tropical Storm Irene in 2011), movers highly sensitive to flood risk should research this directly and thoroughly, including a target property's current FEMA flood-zone status, before committing.

Anyone Requiring a Single, Low, Undisputed Crime-Rate Figure

Given this record's genuinely elevated, cross-source-CONSISTENT crime citations (NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade both point above the national comparison figure), movers requiring a low, undisputed crime-rate figure should research current, address-specific data directly via the Rutland City Police Department.

Key takeaways

Want to know what your budget actually buys here?

Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.

Get local guidance

Read the full Rutland overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.

Planning a move?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.

Talk to a local expert
Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.