Foreclosures in Vermont increased in 2009 over the prior year. There was a total of 143 properties with foreclosure filings. That works out to a rate of one filing for every 2178 households, which compares to the United States average of 45, and is one twentieth of one percent of the state's housing units.
Vermont is the 49th largest U.S. state by population, with 621,760 people (in 2008). Its 9,620 square miles make it the 45th largest state by area. Median household income in 2008 was $52,104.
12 percent of Vermont's economy is based on agriculture, which is one of the highest percentages in the nation. While dairy farming and dairy products—such as the famous Vermont Cheddar—are the largest components of the state's agriculture industry, the state also has become known recently for its organic vegetable farms. Vermont's manufacturing sector is relatively small, with just one company, IBM, accounting for 25 percent of manufacturing employment. Tourism, with an emphasis on bed-and-breakfast establishments and ski resorts, is a major part of Vermont's economy.