countyscore
53.8
County Score
Health 97.4Income & Jobs 91.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Addison County, Vermont

Above the National Average

Addison County secures a 53.8 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the upper tier of American residential areas for overall quality of life.

A Vermont Leader

The county's 53.8 score significantly exceeds the Vermont state average of 44.6. It represents one of the state's most robust options for residents seeking a balance of health and income.

Elite Health and High Wages

The county shines in public health with a near-perfect health score of 97.4. Residents also benefit from a strong economic engine, reflected in a high income score of 91.1 and a median household income of $88,478.

High Costs and Taxes

Affordability poses a hurdle, as the cost score sits at a low 12.2 and the tax score is just 7.3. An effective tax rate of 1.693% puts notable pressure on household budgets.

The Healthy Professional's Choice

This county is ideal for high-earning families who prioritize wellness and community health over low taxation. It suits those willing to pay a premium for top-tier medical outcomes and income opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax7.3Cost12.2Safety72.4Health97.4Schools64Income91.1Risk73.2Water86Weather49.8
🏛7.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤97.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Addison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Addison County

via TaxByCounty

Addison's taxes rank high nationally

At 1.693%, Addison County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.099%, placing it in approximately the 78th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $5,649, nearly double the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher tax rates and more valuable homes.

Middle of the pack statewide

Addison County's effective rate of 1.693% runs slightly below Vermont's state average of 1.718%, ranking it in the middle tier among Vermont's 14 counties. The median tax bill of $5,649 is above the state average of $4,648.

Higher than Franklin County to the north

Addison's 1.693% rate edges out neighboring Chittenden County's 1.614% but trails Caledonia County's 1.830% to the northeast. Among nearby counties, only Bennington approaches Addison's tax burden with a 1.708% rate.

Expect $5,649 annually on median home

On the county's median home value of $333,700, an effective tax rate of 1.693% translates to an estimated annual tax of $5,649. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $5,974, while those without pay around $4,974.

Many homeowners could appeal assessments

Studies show roughly one-third of homeowners are over-assessed relative to market value, potentially overpaying property taxes. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its market worth, filing an appeal with your local assessor is often a straightforward process worth exploring.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Addison County

via CostByCounty

Addison ranks better than most Americans

Addison County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits comfortably below the national burden threshold, meaning residents spend less of their paycheck on rent than the typical American household. With a median household income of $88,478—18% above the national average—Addison offers more breathing room in housing budgets than most U.S. counties.

Vermont's second-most affordable county

Addison stands out in Vermont with a 16.3% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 17.8% and ranking it among the state's most affordable regions. Its median home value of $333,700 is slightly above the Vermont median but balanced by stronger household incomes than most neighboring counties.

Better rents, higher home prices

Addison's median rent of $1,201 is notably higher than Franklin County's $1,164 but lower than Chittenden's $1,590, positioning it in the mid-range for the region. However, homebuyers should note that Addison's median home value of $333,700 exceeds most neighbors except Chittenden, reflecting its desirable location and amenities.

How Addison's housing costs break down

Renters spend $1,201 monthly while homeowners pay $1,485, leaving most households with money left after housing. At $88,478 annual income, the typical Addison family dedicates only 16.3% to rent or mortgage, well below the 30% threshold financial advisors recommend.

Strong income, manageable housing costs

If you're relocating and prioritize affordability without sacrificing income potential, Addison County's above-average wages and below-average housing burden make it a compelling choice. Compare this profile against nearby Chittenden (pricier but stronger job market) or Caledonia (cheaper but lower incomes) to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Addison County

via IncomeByCounty

Addison outpaces the nation

Addison County's median household income of $88,478 runs 18% above the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it in the upper tier nationally. This strong position reflects a prosperous local economy anchored by agriculture, small manufacturing, and tourism.

Second richest county in Vermont

Addison ranks second among Vermont's 14 counties, trailing only Chittenden by $5,832. At $88,478, the county's median household income sits 18% above Vermont's county average of $75,043.

Ahead of Franklin and Lamoille

Addison's $88,478 median substantially exceeds adjacent Franklin County ($79,078) and Lamoille County ($69,897). The county's relative prosperity reflects diverse employment opportunities and stronger wage growth across its towns.

Housing remains affordable here

At 16.3%, Addison's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a sustainable share of income on housing. The median home value of $333,700 aligns with median incomes, supporting both renters and homebuyers.

Build on Addison's income strength

With median household income near $88,500, Addison residents have genuine capacity to save and invest beyond basic expenses. Consider automating retirement contributions, diversifying into low-cost index funds, and consulting a financial advisor to maximize long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Addison County

via CrimeByCounty

Addison County ranks among the nation’s safest

Addison County earns an exceptional safety score of 99.0, significantly outperforming the national average. Its total crime rate of 657.1 per 100,000 residents is less than one-third of the U.S. rate of 2,385.5.

A leader in Vermont public safety

Addison County is one of the safest areas in Vermont, with a crime rate far below the state average of 1,397.0 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.0 exceeds the already high state average of 97.8.

A quiet alternative to Chittenden County

Compared to neighboring Chittenden County, where the crime rate reaches 3,215.5 per 100,000, Addison offers a much calmer environment. It maintains lower rates of both violent and property crimes than its northern neighbor.

Low rates for violent and property crime

Property crime accounts for most local activity at 555.6 per 100,000, which is still remarkably low. The violent crime rate is just 101.5, representing only a fraction of the national average of 369.8.

Keep Addison County safe and secure

While crime is rare, residents benefit from basic home security and neighborhood awareness. Simple measures like exterior lighting help maintain the peace in this highly safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Addison County

via HealthByCounty

Addison County outpaces the nation

At 80.7 years, Addison's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 4.6 years—a significant edge. Just 10.2% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.9%, signaling a population in strong overall health.

Best health outcomes in Vermont

Addison County ranks among Vermont's healthiest, with a life expectancy 2.5 years above the state average of 78.2 years. The county's 10.2% poor/fair health rate ranks it near the top of state rankings, reflecting sustained community wellness.

Ahead of neighboring counties

Addison's 80.7-year life expectancy beats Chittenden (80.8) by a narrow margin and significantly outpaces Bennington (76.7) and Caledonia (76.7). Its 10.2% poor/fair health rate trails only Chittenden among regional peers, positioning Addison as a leader in regional health.

Strong access to primary care

With 113 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Addison offers solid access to first-line care and 371 mental health providers per 100,000. Only 4.4% of residents lack health insurance, matching Chittenden County's best-in-state rate.

Keep coverage strong in Addison

Even with a low 4.4% uninsured rate, some Addison residents may still be underinsured or facing coverage gaps. Check your plan at Vermont's health insurance marketplace to ensure you have adequate coverage for your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Addison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Network Supporting Thousands of Students

Addison County operates a network of 21 public schools across four main districts, serving a total of 4,359 students. The infrastructure relies heavily on 16 elementary schools that feed into a smaller number of middle and high school facilities.

Strong Outcomes Matching National Graduation Benchmarks

The county maintains an 87% graduation rate, which perfectly aligns with the national average and exceeds the state average of 81.3%. Local taxpayers invest $12,104 per pupil, a figure that is higher than the state median but below the national average of $13,000.

Addison Central Leads the County’s Educational Efforts

The Addison Central Unified Union School District #55 is the largest in the region, managing nine schools and 1,773 students. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county's public education system.

Rural School Settings with Small Average Class Sizes

Education here is predominantly rural, with 16 schools in rural settings and five in town locales. While the average school size is just 218 students, Mt. Abraham Union High School stands out as the largest facility with 621 students.

Find Your Home in a High-Performing District

Families looking for consistent academic results should explore neighborhoods near Middlebury or Bristol. With graduation rates beating the state average, Addison County offers a stable and well-funded environment for young learners.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Addison County

via RiskByCounty

Addison ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 26.78 and a "Very Low" rating, Addison County sits comfortably below the national average for natural disaster risk. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most hazard types across the county.

One of Vermont's safest counties

Addison County's risk profile ranks favorably within Vermont, well below the state average composite score of 36.44. Among the eight Vermont counties analyzed, it remains in the lower-risk tier.

Comparable risk to nearby Orange County

Addison's overall risk level mirrors patterns seen in other rural Vermont counties like Lamoille and Franklin, which also score in the "Very Low" range. The county's flood risk (47.71) edges slightly higher than its peers, reflecting its position in the Champlain Valley.

Hurricanes and earthquakes pose most risk

Addison's highest hazard scores come from hurricane risk (67.46) and earthquake risk (55.79), typical for western Vermont's proximity to seismic zones and Atlantic storm tracks. Flood risk (47.71) rounds out the top concerns, particularly in low-lying areas near Lake Champlain and the Otter Creek.

Consider flood and wind coverage today

While Addison County's overall risk remains low, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program protects against the county's most frequent water-related events. Homeowners should also ensure wind and hail coverage is adequate, especially in areas prone to lake-effect storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Addison County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Climate

Addison County’s average annual temperature of 44.0°F sits roughly 10 degrees below the national median. This identifies it as a cold-temperate zone with distinct seasonal shifts.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county is slightly warmer than the Vermont state average of 43.6°F. It ranks among the warmer half of Vermont's counties due to its position in the Champlain Valley.

Milder Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Addison’s 44.0°F average is warmer than Lamoille’s 41.0°F but trails Chittenden County at 47.0°F. It serves as a middle ground between the cold mountains and the warmer lakefront.

Snowy Winters and Temperate Summers

Winter brings an average of 81.3 inches of snow with January lows dipping to 17.9°F. Summers stay comfortable with a July average of 68.2°F and only 6 days of extreme heat.

Prepare for Ice and Insulation

Homeowners should invest in high-quality insulation to combat the sub-20-degree winter nights. While summers are mild, preparing for 81 inches of snow requires reliable plowing equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Addison County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils in the Heart of Vermont

Addison’s soil features a pH of 5.27, which is notably acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. While lower than the national benchmark, it remains less acidic than the Vermont state average of 4.86.

A Balanced Mix for Farm Workability

The soil contains 41.4% sand and 13.0% clay, providing a texture that supports moderate drainage and nutrient retention. A 33.9% silt content ensures the ground remains workable for local farmers and home gardeners alike.

High Organic Matter for Growing Potential

With 12.28% organic matter, these soils far exceed the national average of 2.0%, though they sit below the state average of 29.01%. The available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly lower than the Vermont average of 0.235 in/in.

Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Grounds

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the sand-heavy mix typically prevents excessive waterlogging. This profile supports stable foundations for building and predictable moisture levels in the fields.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a

Addison is prime for cool-weather vegetables and apples in Hardiness Zone 5a. With a soil score of 57.0, adding a little lime to balance the pH can help your backyard garden flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Addison County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Growing in Addison

Addison County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.6, making it easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 5a, the county offers a more hospitable environment than the Vermont state average of 51.4.

Ample Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives 43.1 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. While there are only 6 extreme heat days per year, the 2081 growing degree days support a steady, manageable mowing schedule between May and September.

Managing Acidic Soil Levels

Soil pH averages 5.27, falling below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With 41.4% sand and 13.0% clay, homeowners should focus on adding lime to neutralize acidity and improve nutrient uptake.

Moderate Drought Exposure

Over the past year, the county experienced 13 weeks in drought, and 18.1% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering helps develop the root systems necessary to withstand these dry spells.

Seeding for Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the 5a hardiness zone. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on May 21 to ensure young grass survives the transition.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Addison County's county score?
Addison County, Vermont has a composite county score of 53.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Addison County rank among counties in Vermont?
Addison County ranks #3 among all counties in Vermont on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Addison County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Addison County is $5,649, with an effective tax rate of 1.69%. This earns Addison County a tax score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Addison County?
The median household income in Addison County, Vermont is $88,478 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Addison County earns an income score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Addison County, Vermont a good place to live?
Addison County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Addison County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Addison County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.