Employment rose 1.9 percent in Vermont’s largest county, Chittenden, from September 2022 to September 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2022.) Regional Commissioner William J. Sibley noted Chittenden County’s 1.9-percent employment increase ranked 102nd among the 360 large U.S. counties. (See table 1.)

National employment increased 1.5 percent over the year, with 309 of the 360 largest U.S. counties reporting gains. Hall, GA, had the largest increase in employment (+5.4 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment (-7.3 percent). 

Employment in Chittenden County was 103,500 in September 2023 and accounted for 33.8 percent of total employment in the state. Nationwide, the 360 largest counties made up 72.9 percent of total U.S. employment.

Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 13 counties in Vermont with employment below 75,000. Wage levels in all 13 small counties were below the national average of $1,334 in the third quarter of 2023. (See table 2.)

From the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023, the average weekly wage in Chittenden County decreased 1.8 percent. Nationwide, wages increased by 0.1 percent over the year. Among the 360 largest counties in the United States, 169 had over-the-year wage increases. Clayton, GA, had the largest percentage wage increase (+7.7 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-6.0 percent).

The average weekly wage in Chittenden County ($1,281, 120th) placed in the top third of the 360 largest U.S. counties. Nationally, the average weekly wage was $1,334 in the third quarter of 2023.

Among the largest U.S. counties, 92 reported average weekly wages above the U.S. average in the third quarter of 2023. San Mateo, CA, had the highest average weekly wage ($3,288). Average weekly wages were below the national average in the remaining 268 counties. Hidalgo, TX, had the lowest average weekly wage ($793).

Among the 13 smaller counties in Vermont—those with employment below 75,000—none reported an average weekly wage above the national average ($1,334). Washington County ($1,194) reported the highest average weekly wage among the smaller counties in the state. Grand Isle ($874) and Essex ($876) reported the lowest average weekly wages in the state.

When all 14 counties in Vermont were considered, 4 reported average weekly wages less than $1,000, 7 had average weekly wages from $1,000 to $1,099, and 3 had average weekly wages of $1,100 or higher. (See map 1.)

QCEW data for states have been included in this release in table 3. For additional information about quarterly employment and wages data, please read the Technical Note for the County Employment and Wages News Release or visit the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website.

Employment and Wages Annual Averages Online features comprehensive information by detailed industry on establishments, employment, and wages for the nation and all states. This publication is typically published in September of the following year of the reference period or shortly after the QCEW first quarter full data update.

Information in this release will be made available to individuals with sensory impairments upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.

The County Employment and Wages release for the fourth quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The County Employment and Wages full data update for the fourth quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, June 5, 2024