Economy

Until the 1950's farming, although only marginally profitable, was the predominant economic activity in Vermont. Agriculture then began to decline in importance,and manufacturing and tourism became the leading income producers in the state. At the same time, Vermont's population began to grow, largely because of a rise in the number of factory jobs and a rapid increase in the ski-resort and summer-resort businesses. Also, Vermont was becoming increasingly popular with people from neighboring states as a site for vacation or retirement homes.

The leading sources of employment in Vermont are services, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and government (federal, state, and local).

Vermont is not a heavily industrialized state, yet in terms of the revenues produced manufacturing is the leading industry in the state. Within New England, however, Vermont accounts for a small percentage of the total manufacturing workforce.

The leading manufacturing activities are the making of electrical and electronic equipment and the manufacturing of nonelectrical machinery. Chief products include computer components and industrial equipment. Burlington is the main center for the production of electrical and electronic equipment. Plants that manufacture industrial equipment are located mainly in the Springfield-Ludlow-Windsor area in the southeastern part of the state.

Vermont has extensive forests, and both lumbering and the manufacturing of wood products are important industries. Also significant are printing and publishing and the manufacturing of paper and paper products, glass goods, furniture, processed foods, and fabricated metal products.

Tourism is one of the largest sources of income in the state. Millions of persons visit Vermont each year, primarily because of its scenic mountains and recreational facilities. Summer is the chief tourist season, but brilliant autumn foliage and winter sports at numerous Green Mountain ski areas, including such major ones as Killington and Stowe, also attract many visitors to the state.

Dairying is the most important agricultural activity in the state. Milk, mainly for metropolitan Boston and New York City, accounts for most farm income. Of considerably less importance, in terms of income produced, are cattle and calves, maple syrup and maple sugar, hay, and sweet corn. In quantities produced, Vermont is one of leading producers of milk, butter, and cheese. Maple syrup and maple sugar are Vermont specialties.

The most productive farming areas are the Champlain and Connecticut valleys. Elsewhere, many farms have ceased to exist as such because of the thin rocky soils, the acreage reverting to woodland and brush. Only about one-fifth of the state is presently in farms.

Vermont is a leading stone-producing state, ranking high in the production of granite, marble, and slate. Most of the stone is of fine quality and is widely marketed for use in construction and for monuments. Barre is the center of granite production. Marble is quarried primarily at Proctor, near Rutland. Slate, for tile, comes from the Poultney–Fair Haven area. Vermont also produces talc.

The main routes for railways and roads run north and south, following the Champlain and Connecticut valleys. The principal connection between these two valleys is the Winooski-White river valley, which cuts through the Green Mountains, linking Burlington, Montpelier-Barre, and White River Junction.

Canadian as well as American railways have trackage in Vermont. Vermont's road and highway network includes segments of three Interstate routes.

Burlington is the main center of commercial air transportation. There is also commercial service at Rutland and Montpelier-Barre. Lake Champlain is a link in the water route connecting the Hudson River in New York with the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. There is no commercial navigation on the Connecticut River.