In the last decade, Vermont has struggled with population decline, particularly among the young population. The state for years had one of the lowest birthrates in the United States. Relative to other states, it has also sent the largest share of its high school graduates out of the state for college—with many not returning to the workforce afterwards. With working-age residents in short supply, many Vermont employers—from furniture manufacturers to rural resorts—have struggled to find the workers they need in recent years to expand and keep growing in the state. Vermont is additionally challenged by its 3.2 percent unemployment rate, one of the lowest in the nation— meaning few state residents are available to fill jobs.

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