If you believe in the power of prayer, we invite you to join us in praying for the beautiful state of Vermont. Natural disasters and social challenges your prayers can make a difference in the lives of those who call Vermont home. This guide will share practical ways to pray for Vermont and support its community through difficult times.
Psalm 65:9
You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, so you have prepared it.
This verse reminds us that God is the provider of all things and that He takes care of His creation. As we pray for Vermont and its residents, remember that God is at work, providing for His people and caring for the land.
Quick Brief
Page Contents
Population: Vermont’s population was 626,299 in 2018 [5]. However, the population may have changed since then. According to the 2020 Census data, Vermont’s population grew by about 20,000 people over the past decade, or +2.8%, reaching a total of 643,077 [6].
It is important to note that Vermont’s population is primarily white, with the state being the second whitest in the country [4]. However, the Hispanic population in Vermont grew by 68.4%, about 6,300 people, between 2010 and 2020, the third largest percentage increase in the country [4].
GDP: According to the latest available data, Vermont’s real GDP was 29.65 billion USD in 2021 [2], and it grew in real terms by 2.05% over the five years ending in 2021 [1]. The finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing industry added the most accurate value to Vermont’s GDP in 2021 [3].
It is worth noting that Vermont’s GDP is relatively low compared to other states in the US. Vermont has the second lowest GDP among all US states [8]. However, Vermont’s low GDP does not necessarily indicate a poor standard of living, as factors such as cost of living and quality of life can also contribute to overall well-being [7].
Leadership
Phil Scott is the governor of Vermont, serving since 2017 [1]. He is a Republican politician, businessman, and stock car racer who won reelection to a fourth term in 2022 with a majority in every city and town in the state [1]. During his time as Governor, he has been committed to making a difference in the lives of Vermonters by growing the state’s economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting the most vulnerable [5]. While Scott is known for his fiscal conservatism, he has also signed progressive legislation, such as a bill completely legalizing abortion and a restrictive gun control law [10].
Patrick J. Leahy is one of Vermont’s senators, serving since 1975. He is a Democrat known for strongly supporting civil liberties and environmental protection [11].
Bernie Sanders is Vermont’s other senator, serving since 2007. He is an independent and self-described democratic socialist who has been a leading voice in the progressive movement in the United States. He advocates for universal healthcare, free college education, and income inequality [12].
Economy
Vermont’s economy is diverse, with agriculture and tourism being two of the significant industries in the state [1][5]. While manufacturing and technology are also critical, the dairy industry remains a dominant force in Vermont’s economy, with dairy sales accounting for 65% of Vermont’s agricultural sales in 2017 [7]. Maple syrup production is also a vital part of Vermont’s agricultural industry, with the state being the largest producer in the United States [8].
Tourism is also a significant industry in Vermont, with visitors spending over $1.5 billion in 2005 and the industry supporting over 7.2% of total jobs in the state [5]. In 2022, Governor Phil Scott declared August as Agritourism Month in Vermont, recognizing the importance of agritourism in the state’s economy [2].
While Vermont’s unemployment rate is relatively low, pockets of high employment still exist, and wages in the state are somewhat lower than the national average [1]. Typical jobs in Vermont include farmers, tour guides, technology workers, and craftspeople. The unemployment rate in Vermont was 3.2% in 2021 [1].
Vermont is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and has invested significantly in renewable energy. The state is home to several high-tech companies and startups, including companies focused on renewable energy, such as AllEarth Renewables, Northern Reliability, and Draker Laboratories [1].
Healthcare
Vermont has a well-developed healthcare system, with access to quality care for its residents. The state has made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics, and has implemented several policies to improve access to healthcare for its citizens. According to a report by the Commonwealth Fund, Vermont has consistently ranked among the top five states for healthcare access and quality in recent years [1).
One of the significant investments in healthcare infrastructure is the University of Vermont Medical Center, a leading medical center in the state. It provides high-quality healthcare services to Vermont residents and has been nationally recognized for its exceptional care. The medical center has been rated as the best hospital in Vermont by the U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row [2].
Additionally, Vermont’s Medicaid program provides healthcare coverage to low-income residents. The program covers various services, including hospital care, physician visits, and prescription drugs. In 2021, over 250,000 Vermonters were enrolled in Medicaid, which accounts for approximately 40% of the state’s population [9].
In terms of healthcare policies, Vermont has been a pioneer in implementing universal healthcare coverage. In 2011, Vermont passed legislation establishing a single-payer healthcare system in the state. While the plan was ultimately abandoned due to funding issues, Vermont remains committed to expanding healthcare coverage to its residents [1].
Peace/Safety
Vermont is widely known for its safe and secure environment due to its low crime rates and strong sense of community. The property crime rate in Vermont is 38% lower than the national average, and the state’s property crime rate fell by 15% this year [10]. Vermont’s crime data is collected, compiled, and audited by the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC), which analyzes reported crime data from all law enforcement agencies statewide [6].
The 2021 Vermont Crime Report published by VCIC provides a comprehensive analysis of crime rates, trends, and significant changes in criminal activity reported by law enforcement agencies to the state program [7]. According to World Population Review, Vermont has a lower crime rate than the national average. It ranks as the 3rd safest state in the United States regarding violent and property crimes per capita [8]. Vermont’s sense of community is also notable, with its residents known for their hospitality, politeness, and friendly nature. Vermont’s Green Mountains, Taconic Mountains, and Vermont Valley, known for their rivers, valleys, and lakes, offer ample outdoor recreation opportunities, fostering community and connection [3].
Biggest challenges
Vermont faces several challenges and opportunities, including economic development, healthcare, and substance abuse issues. The state’s economy relies heavily on the service sector, which provides the most overall value and employment opportunities. Vermont has a low unemployment rate compared to other states, although pockets of high unemployment still exist. However, there is still a need for economic development to ensure sustainable growth [1].
In the 1930s, Vermont committed to a sustained effort to attract tourism and develop a recreation industry, which augmented traditional summer tourism. The development of ski areas in the 1930s made winter tourism an important industry in the state [2].
Vermont’s priority is ensuring that all residents have access to quality healthcare. The state has significantly invested in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics. However, Vermont faces a healthcare workforce crisis driven by several immediate factors, such as rising higher education costs, which have increased by 56% for in-state public schools and 47% for private schools since 2009 [4].
Substance abuse and addiction are issues that Vermont is actively addressing. Northern Vermont University is at the forefront of educating mental healthcare providers and substance abuse counselors in Vermont [9].
Prayer Points for Vermont
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.
You are standing up today to say, “Here I am, Lord!”
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with a heart full of love and compassion for the state of Vermont. We lift the leaders of Vermont to you and pray for wisdom, guidance, and discernment as they make decisions that affect the state and its people [1]. We pray for their families that you would grant them strength, peace, and protection during this time.
Lord, we ask that you fill the communities of Vermont with love, hope, and peace and that they continue to work together towards a better future for all [3]. We also ask for your hand in protection and provision over the state and pray for opportunities for economic growth and job creation, especially in light of current challenges [1].
Father, we pray for the healthcare system in Vermont. We ask that all residents would have access to quality care and that healthcare professionals be equipped and empowered to provide the best possible care [4]. We also lift those struggling with substance abuse and addiction in the state and pray for healing, freedom, and restoration in their lives [10].
In all these things, we trust in your love and sovereignty and ask for your blessings to be poured out upon the state of Vermont. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Heavenly Father, we lift up the leaders of Vermont to you, and we pray for wisdom and guidance as they make decisions that impact the state.
- Lord, we ask that you bless and protect the families of these leaders, providing them with strength, peace, and protection.
- Father, we pray for the communities of Vermont that they would be filled with love, hope, and peace and that people would support one another during difficult times.
- God, we ask for your hand in protection and provision for Vermont, especially for those struggling with poverty or homelessness.
- Lord, we pray for opportunities for economic growth and job creation in Vermont so that people can have meaningful work and provide for their families.
- Father, we lift the healthcare system in Vermont to you, asking that all residents have access to quality care, regardless of their income or background.
- God, we pray for healing and freedom from addiction for those struggling with substance abuse in Vermont. We ask that you give them the strength and support they need to overcome their struggles.
- Lord, we ask that you guide and support the educators and students in Vermont, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
- Father, we lift up the farmers and agricultural workers in Vermont to you, asking that you bless their work and provide them with the resources they need to care for their families.
- God, we pray for your wisdom and guidance for Vermont’s churches and faith communities, asking that they be a source of hope, healing, and love for all those in need.
As followers of Christ, we are called to lift our communities in prayer and intercession. Let us unite in faith, lifting Vermont and its residents to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.
Leave a Reply