#45: Vermont
Minimum wage: $14.65
Wealth in Vermont is often connected to professional services, healthcare, education, tourism ownership, and remote work. Affluent residents may live in scenic towns or rural properties, enjoying privacy, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life supported by higher incomes or investments.

For lower-income Vermonters, many jobs are in retail, food service, agriculture, and tourism. Seasonal employment is common, and housing shortages drive up rents. Heating, food, and transportation costs add pressure, making it hard for minimum-wage workers to stay financially secure.
