Is Middlebury Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Middlebury, Vermont, is a picturesque town in the heart of the Champlain Valley, aptly named for its location between Salisbury and New Haven.

War stories filled the founding years of Middlebury, but after 1783, settlers finally found a safe space on the shore of Otter Creek.

Middlebury still holds onto the rich history that is reflected in its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and the prestigious Middlebury College, established in 1800.

The community of Middlebury blends academic vigor and New England charm wrapped into a small town of just fewer than 10,000 people.

Middlebury offers an appealing mix of intellectual stimulation and a slower, more reflective pace of life.

Its location along U.S. Route 7 brings in most of the out-of-town traffic, a corridor that is still expanding with stops along the way as it weaves its way north to the Canadian border.

Otter Creek is technically a river, one that brings the beauty of covered bridges and waterfalls throughout its path through Vermont.

Those who spend time here will find a safe and somewhat sentimental town harboring a bygone era.

Warnings & Dangers in Middlebury

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Middlebury, but it's a better place to relax and enjoy historical homes that find a vibrant pace of life.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

An Amtrak train runs from New York City to Middlebury (and beyond). Tri-Valley Transit (TVT) offers a free shuttle around town. TVT also includes routes to the Burlington airport and other communities in the region. Taxis and rideshares are available, though not as many as you'd find in a larger city. Rental cars are another safe option to consider.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with just one purse snatching reported in the past five years. While you still need to use standard personal safety measures, theft isn't a problem here.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Middlebury faces minimal natural disaster risks. However, it can experience occasional flooding, particularly from Otter Creek, and severe winter storms. Hurricanes that make their way onshore can also be an issue, but all risks come with plenty of advance notice.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With an average of one robbery a year over the past few years, this is another low risk. Petty crime is the biggest concern in this community.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Middlebury has a low risk of terrorism. The small, close-knit community and rural setting contribute to its safety. There are no significant historical incidents of terrorism in the area, and local law enforcement works diligently to maintain a secure and peaceful environment for residents and visitors.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. Robocalls and other fraudulent phone scams are the most common here, largely targeting residents. The risk is low for a tourist.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Middlebury is generally considered safe for women. The town has a low crime rate, and the community is supportive and vigilant. Over the past five years, women have been statistically slightly less likely to be the victim of a violent crime. Middlebury College and local authorities prioritize safety, offering resources and programs to ensure a secure environment. Nonetheless, standard precautions are advisable, as in any community.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2022 report for Middlebury shows no violations and full compliance with all required standards.

Safest Places to Visit in Middlebury

“Experience Middlebury” is the name of the town’s tourism website.

Since Middlebury is a common name in New England states, always look for the word “Vermont” in the title or address of any website you review.

Middlebury’s downtown is quaint and vibrant, featuring unique shops and restaurants.

A village green and other green spaces are spread out around the town, with Middlebury Falls in the center of town.

For history enthusiasts, the Henry Sheldon Museum is a must-visit.

As the oldest community-based museum in the country, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past with exhibits on local history, art, and culture.

To find out more about local and regional arts, including performances, galleries, and festivals, visit AddisonArts.org.

You can also see the idyllic Middlebury College campus and visit the Museum of Art.

The Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury documents, preserves, and shares the diverse stories and traditions of Vermonters

through extensive archives, educational programs, and public exhibitions.

This section of Vermont also offers hikes and trails as long as you’d like to experience, from the Trail Around Middlebury spanning 18 miles to the 1.2-mile Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, a beautiful walk through woods and fields featuring placards with Frost’s poems in nearby Ripton.

You can also explore hundreds of miles of trails of varying difficulty levels at Moosalamoo National Recreation Area or Green Mountain National Forest.

Winter travelers can experience the Middlebury College Snow Bowl for skiing or the Rikert Nordic Center for cross-country options.

Snowmobile trails on the VAST system are open from mid-December through mid-April.

Visit the VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) website for more information.

Places to Avoid in Middlebury

With low crime rates, no part of Middlebury is too dangerous or considered a bad part of town.

However, there have been some issues with homelessness, most recently a camp under the Cross Street Bridge.

Of course, those encampments could move locations often, so I would ask before you go where the latest spot is for homeless camps.

It’s always wise to avoid that cluster of concerns, especially at night.

Downtown has two bridges that go from one side to the other over Otter Creek.

That will inevitably lead to traffic backups when big events happen here.

If you can walk around the community, you can skip some of those headaches.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Middlebury

So... How Safe Is Middlebury Really?

The violent crime rate in Middlebury is 31% lower than the state average and 61% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, just 14% of violent crimes involved strangers, and 58% were in private homes.

Theft is 58% lower than the national average as of 2022.

Theft rates have also been down by 67% since 2014.

Shoplifting is one of the top categories of theft, while car break-ins only account for 14% of all thefts since 2018.

Even with low crime rates in the safest state in America, Vermont is still seeing crime upticks in certain cities.

Middlebury has been dealing with a crime involving homeless people.

In a late 2023 meeting, residents sounded off about their concerns, saying things like:

• “She (a homeless woman) committed a number of vandalisms, breaking out car windows, business windows, and was arrested seven times by us in a fairly short period of time.” – Middlebury Chief of Police Jason Covey
• “The guy asked me for directions. When I pointed toward the bus stop, he punched me in the mouth. He was booked; he was let go three hours later.” – Local restaurant manager Justin Eaton
• Eaton also added, “We had attempted break-ins, we’ve had broken windows, smashed-out cars. My truck was broken into, and the pistons were snipped.”

As with many Vermont cities dealing with a sudden uptick in criminal activity, law enforcement is quick to point the finger at the courts, which are backlogged and not holding criminals accountable as quickly as you might expect.

Others argue an uncharacteristically safe state has some community members exaggerating and sensationalizing what amounts to petty crime.

Then there’s the issue of law enforcement shortages impacting the entire country.

All that said, Middlebury is about as safe as you’ll get in a town of 15,000 in Vermont.

You’ll still need to use common sense and basic safety measures, but you’ll need to visit far outside of Vermont to find a place that isn’t really that safe.

How Does Middlebury Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Middlebury gets long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Average highs in the summer barely top 81°F, and lows still get into the 50s. Winters will stay below freezing from December through early March.

Airports

The closest commercial airport is in Burlington, about 35 miles north. The next closest option is Albany (NY) International Airport, which is about two hours south (113 miles).

Travel Insurance

Since you'll need to fly and drive to reach Middlebury, getting comprehensive travel insurance to protect your baggage, health, and car rental is the best option to give you peace of mind and full coverage.

Middlebury Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Vermont - Safety by City