Chelsea, VT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
416
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,750/yr
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
224
-3.0% year-over-year change

Chelsea population

How many people live in Chelsea

Chelsea is home to 416 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Chelsea locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
416
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
215
Female
48.3%
201
Value Percent YoY change
Male 215 51.7% -0.5%
Female 201 48.3% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chelsea is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.2% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
5%
25 to 44
20.2%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
34.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 68 16.4% -5.6%
15 to 24 21 5% -32.3%
25 to 44 84 20.2% -23.6%
45 to 64 99 23.8% 10.0%
Over 65 144 34.6% 27.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chelsea, 90.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.5%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 378 90.9% -8.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 5.5% 475.0%
Non-citizens 15 3.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
90.9%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 378 90.9%
Black or African American 8 1.9%
Two or more races 30 7.2%

Households in Chelsea

A peek inside Chelsea households

Chelsea has 180 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.8% are families, while the remaining 52.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
180
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
94
Family households
86
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 94 52.2% 0.0%
Family households 86 47.8% 4.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chelsea

The housing landscape of Chelsea

Chelsea's housing consists of 224 units, with 79.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
224
-3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 179 79.9%
2 units 14 6.2%
3 or 4 units 6 2.7%
5 to 9 units 3 1.3%
10 to 19 units 7 3.1%
20 to 49 units 15 6.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chelsea

In Chelsea, the median construction year is 1938. About 70.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 157 70.1% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 6.2% -22.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10 4.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 17 7.6% 21.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 17 7.6% 183.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6 2.7% -45.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 1.3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chelsea occupancy rates

Out of the 180 occupied housing units in Chelsea, 66.7% are owner-occupied, while 33.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
180
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
60
Owner occupied
120
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 60 33.3% 17.6%
Owner occupied 120 66.7% -4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chelsea housing costs

Housing costs in Chelsea come to a median of $958 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,917.

Median housing costs per month
$958/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chelsea
$1,917/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chelsea

Chelsea education at a glance

About 50.3% of the population in Chelsea went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 7.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 12 3.4% 0.0%
High school diploma 175 50.3% 13.6%
College diploma 59 17% -6.3%
Associate degree 43 12.4% 4.9%
Bachelor's degree 26 7.5% -50.9%
Graduate degree 33 9.5% 200.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chelsea

How much people earn in Chelsea

The average annual household income in Chelsea was $65,688 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -22% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,750, reflecting a -3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chelsea
$65,688/year
-22.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chelsea
$43,750/year
-3.5% year-over-year change

Chelsea income by age

In Chelsea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $2,499. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,500 overall. Overall, 78.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $2,499 N/A
45 - 64 $53,500 29.7%
Over 65 $33,750 N/A
Above poverty level
308
Below poverty level
85
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 308 78.4% 0.0%
Below poverty level 85 21.6% 1.2%

Average renter income in Chelsea

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chelsea, their median household income was $31,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 73%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,500
Rent-to-income ratio
73%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chelsea

Workforce and job types in Chelsea

The job market in Chelsea is powered by 149 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 55.7% are employed by private companies, and 28.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
149
-8.6% year-over-year change
White collar
134
Blue collar
15
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 134 89.9% 0.0%
Blue collar 15 10.1% -48.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
55.7%
Governmental workers
28.9%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8 5.4% 14.3%
Private companies 83 55.7% -9.8%
Governmental workers 43 28.9% 13.2%
Not for profit companies 15 10.1% -42.3%

Transportation in Chelsea

How people get around in Chelsea

Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 120 82.8% -12.4%
Walk 7 4.8% 133.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chelsea by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
05038 1,371 600 $62,000 $74,736

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chelsea demographics 

What is the total population of Chelsea?

Chelsea has a total population of 416 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by 0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chelsea?

The gender ratio in Chelsea is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (215 residents)
  • 48.3% females (201 residents)

What is the median age in Chelsea?

The median age in Chelsea is 54.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chelsea?

The age distribution in Chelsea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (68 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5% (21 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.2% (84 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (99 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.6% (144 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is as follows:
  • White: 90.9% (378 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (8 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (30 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chelsea are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.9% of the population in Chelsea.

How many housing units are there in Chelsea?

There are 224 housing units in Chelsea, reflecting a -3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chelsea and what is the average household size?

Chelsea has a total of 180 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chelsea?

Chelsea has a median household income of $43,750, representing a -3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chelsea?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (134 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (15 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (8 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.7% (83 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.9% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (15 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025