countyscore
33.9
County Score
Health 84.9Income & Jobs 70.3Soil Quality 67.7

County Report Card

About Bennington County, Vermont

Trailing National Benchmarks

Bennington County earns a composite score of 33.9, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant room for improvement compared to the typical U.S. county.

Below the Vermont Average

The county's overall score trails the Vermont state average of 44.6. It faces steeper hurdles in livability metrics than many of its northern neighbors.

Strong Wellness and Economic Base

Health outcomes are a primary asset, earning a high score of 84.9. The income score of 70.3 also suggests a relatively stable economic foundation for those employed in the region.

Education and Safety Gaps

Educational infrastructure and public safety are notable concerns, scoring 19.7 and 24.7 respectively. Improvements in these areas are necessary to lift the county's overall composite ranking.

Best for Health-Focused Adults

Bennington suits independent professionals or retirees who value local health services and stable incomes. It is less ideal for families who place a high priority on school rankings and safety statistics.

Score breakdown

Tax6.9Cost19Safety24.7Health84.9Schools19.7Income70.3Risk47.7Water43.6Weather56
🏛6.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58
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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Nearby counties

Windham County
Vermont
35
Washington County
New York
50.2
Rensselaer County
New York
39.9
Rutland County
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Saratoga County
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Cheshire County
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Franklin County
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Windsor County
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Deep Dives

Bennington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bennington County

via TaxByCounty

Bennington taxes significantly above national average

At 1.708%, Bennington County's effective tax rate substantially exceeds the national median of 1.099%, placing it in approximately the 79th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $4,396 is 64% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Vermont's statewide norm

Bennington County's 1.708% effective rate sits just below Vermont's state average of 1.718%, ranking it slightly above middle among the state's counties. Its median tax of $4,396 falls modestly below the state average of $4,648.

Comparable to Addison, higher than Franklin

Bennington's 1.708% rate closely mirrors Addison County's 1.693% to the north, while significantly exceeding Franklin County's 1.486% to the northwest. The county sits in a mid-range tax position within southern Vermont.

Median home taxed at roughly $4,396 annually

On a median home value of $257,400, the 1.708% effective rate produces an estimated annual tax of $4,396. Owners with mortgages pay approximately $4,442, while those without mortgages pay around $4,313.

Assessment appeals could recover overpayments

Research indicates that approximately one in three homeowners face inflated assessments relative to fair market value, resulting in unnecessary tax payments. If your home's assessed value seems out of line with comparable properties, contacting your town assessor about an appeal could yield real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bennington County

via CostByCounty

Bennington matches Vermont's affordability average

Bennington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% aligns perfectly with Vermont's state average, though its median household income of $71,494 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly 4%. This means Bennington residents pay a typical Vermont share of their income toward housing but earn somewhat less than the average American household.

Right in the middle of Vermont's range

Bennington's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average exactly, placing it neither among Vermont's most nor least affordable counties. With a median home value of $257,400, Bennington offers more modest housing prices than the state's western counties while maintaining reasonable rental costs.

Affordable rents, lower incomes than neighbors

Bennington's median rent of $1,063 is the lowest among its peers, undercutting even Caledonia's $904 less often than nearby counties like Addison ($1,201). However, incomes here are lower than most surrounding counties, which partially offsets the rent advantage in affordability calculations.

Split between renters and homeowners

Renters in Bennington pay $1,063 monthly while homeowners face $1,277 in mortgage and taxes, with median household income of $71,494 supporting these costs. Housing consumes 17.8% of the typical household budget—right at the state average and below the financially safe 30% threshold.

Balanced affordability for budget-conscious movers

Bennington delivers steady, middle-of-the-road housing costs without premium job-market wages, making it ideal if you value predictability and lower absolute rent. If seeking stronger income prospects, look northeast to Chittenden; if you prioritize rock-bottom costs, explore Caledonia or Essex.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bennington County

via IncomeByCounty

Bennington lags slightly behind nation

Bennington County's median household income of $71,494 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 4%. While below the national average, the county remains solidly middle-class with income levels supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Middle-ranked among Vermont counties

Bennington ranks 7th of 14 Vermont counties, below the state average of $75,043 by $3,549. The county's per capita income of $43,214 slightly exceeds the state mean, suggesting wages are more evenly distributed.

Below Addison, above Lamoille

Bennington's $71,494 median sits $16,984 below Addison County but $1,597 above Lamoille County. The county's income position reflects its economy's reliance on heritage industries and tourism rather than high-growth sectors.

Housing costs require discipline

Bennington's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% keeps housing costs manageable but approaching the 20% concern threshold. With a median home value of $257,400, first-time buyers should expect to stretch their budgets or build savings first.

Maximize your earning potential

At $71,500 median household income, Bennington families have modest but meaningful capacity to build wealth through intentional saving. Prioritize a starter emergency fund, then explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts and side income to accelerate long-term gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bennington County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety scores in Bennington County

Bennington County carries a safety score of 97.0, indicating it is safer than the majority of American counties. Its total crime rate of 1,870.0 per 100,000 people remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Navigating state safety averages

The county's total crime rate is higher than the Vermont state average of 1,397.0 per 100,000 residents. However, its safety score of 97.0 is nearly identical to the state's overall high safety profile of 97.8.

Comparing Bennington to southern neighbors

Bennington County reports higher crime rates than Addison County to its north, yet it stays below the national benchmark. Local law enforcement agencies work to manage these trends across five reporting districts.

Violent crime remains below national norms

The local violent crime rate sits at 340.2 per 100,000, which is slightly lower than the national figure of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 1,529.8, roughly three-quarters of the national average.

Smart security for Vermont homes

Visible home security systems and motion sensors serve as effective deterrents against property crimes. Staying engaged with local safety alerts keeps the community informed and vigilant.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bennington County

via HealthByCounty

Bennington lags behind national health

Life expectancy in Bennington County stands at 76.7 years, roughly 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 12.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 17.9%, the county shows mixed health outcomes.

Below-average health in Vermont

Bennington's 76.7-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years short of Vermont's 78.2-year average, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate mirrors statewide trends but reflects ongoing health challenges.

Among state's shortest lifespans

Bennington matches Caledonia at 76.7 years, tying for the lowest life expectancy among its peers and neighboring counties. Its 12.9% poor/fair health rate ranks mid-range regionally, better than Essex (16.0%) but worse than Addison (10.2%).

Solid provider access, higher uninsured

Bennington has 115 primary care providers and 522 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering competitive access to care. However, 5.2% of residents lack insurance—slightly above the state average of 5.1%—creating gaps in coverage.

Explore coverage options in Bennington

With 1 in 20 Bennington residents uninsured, closing coverage gaps is a priority for community health. Visit Vermont's health marketplace or call 1-800-250-8427 to find affordable plans that meet your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bennington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Seven Districts Serving Bennington’s Growing Student Body

Bennington County hosts 16 public schools across seven districts, educating a total of 4,032 students. The system is built around 12 elementary schools, providing a focused early-education foundation for local families.

Investment Gaps Reflect in Local Academic Metrics

The graduation rate stands at 78.7%, which trails both the state average of 81.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is notably low at $6,721, roughly half of the national average investment of $13,000.

Southwest Vermont Union Manages Primary Education Hubs

Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District #87 is the largest district, overseeing six schools and 1,422 students. All 16 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools present.

Large Regional High Schools in Rural Landscapes

The county features 11 rural schools and five town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 269 students. Mt. Anthony Senior Union High School is the largest in the county, serving a significant population of 926 students.

Explore Housing Near Bennington’s Regional School Hubs

Prospective residents often focus on the Taconic and Green Regional or Southwest Vermont districts for their central roles in the community. As you research homes, consider the accessibility of these larger regional campuses for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bennington County

via RiskByCounty

Bennington faces moderate national risk

Bennington County's composite risk score of 52.32 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it above many U.S. counties but still in a manageable risk band. This score reflects elevated flood exposure alongside moderate earthquake and hurricane vulnerabilities.

Higher risk than most Vermont counties

Bennington ranks as one of Vermont's riskier counties with a score well above the state average of 36.44. Only Chittenden County exceeds Bennington's risk profile among the eight counties analyzed.

Flood risk stands out in southern region

Bennington's flood risk score of 64.54 significantly exceeds neighboring Addison County (47.71) and most other Vermont counties. This elevation reflects the county's topography and proximity to major river valleys including the Walloomsac and Deerfield rivers.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate threats

Bennington's top risk comes from flooding (64.54), driven by heavy precipitation and river overflow in its mountainous terrain. Hurricane risk (71.88) ranks second highest in the state, making wind and water damage serious concerns for residents.

Flood insurance is essential protection

Given Bennington's elevated flood risk—the highest among most Vermont counties—NFIP flood insurance should be a priority for properties in flood-prone zones. Homeowners outside mapped flood zones should still consider coverage, as nearly 20% of flood claims come from areas with minimal flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bennington County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Vermont’s Cooler Profile

At 46.1°F, Bennington County is significantly cooler than the national median but is one of Vermont’s warmer spots. It experiences a humid continental climate with substantial winter precipitation.

One of Vermont’s Warmest Counties

Bennington ranks as the third warmest county in this group, staying well above the state average of 43.6°F. Its southern latitude provides a slight thermal advantage over the northern counties.

Leading the Southern Region

Bennington's 46.1°F average makes it much warmer than Caledonia’s 41.3°F. It shares a similar climate profile with the state's other southern and valley-based regions.

Reliable Snowfall and Brief Heat

The county receives 75.2 inches of snow annually, though Januarys are relatively mild for Vermont at 21.8°F. Extreme heat is rare, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F.

Focus on Winter Efficiency

Residents benefit from lower cooling costs but should prioritize efficient heating for the 24.7°F winter average. Proper drainage is essential to manage the 42.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bennington County

via SoilByCounty

Potent Acidity in Bennington's Earth

Bennington’s soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.69, sitting well below the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly more intense than the Vermont state average of 4.86, requiring careful management for many crops.

Loamy Texture Without Heavy Compaction

The soil consists of 38.1% sand and 31.7% silt, paired with a low 7.0% clay content. This light mix ensures excellent workability and prevents the heavy compaction often found in clay-rich soils.

Incredible Organic Richness and Retention

This county boasts a massive 50.45% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 29.01%. Its available water capacity of 0.325 in/in is also well above the Vermont average, indicating incredible drought resistance.

Steady Water Movement for Organic Success

High organic content and low clay levels facilitate steady water movement through the soil profile. This environment is ideal for intensive organic farming and deep-rooted perennials that dislike standing water.

A Paradise for Acid-Loving Plants

In Zone 5a, Bennington gardeners can excel with blueberries and hydrangeas that love acidic, rich soil. The high soil score of 67.7 suggests your plants will have plenty of nutrients to grow strong.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bennington County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Southern Vermont

Bennington County scores a 58.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, outperforming both the state average and the national median. This hardiness zone 5a region provides a relatively stable environment for traditional lawn care.

Optimal Precipitation for Turf

Annual precipitation of 42.7 inches closely matches the state average and provides consistent moisture for cool-season grasses. With only 3 extreme heat days, lawns face less summer stress than in many other parts of the country.

Highly Acidic Soil Needs Care

The average soil pH of 4.69 is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most lawns. Because the soil contains 38.1% sand, regular testing and lime amendments are vital to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Widespread Dry Conditions

While severe drought is absent, 84.0% of the county is currently abnormally dry. After 17 weeks of drought conditions this past year, residents should prioritize water conservation by mowing at higher blade settings.

Start Early in Bennington

Cold-hardy mixtures featuring Fine Fescue work well in this climate. With the last spring frost typically occurring by May 11, gardeners have a generous window to establish new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bennington County's county score?
Bennington County, Vermont has a composite county score of 33.9 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 Bennington County rank among counties in Vermont?
Bennington County ranks #14 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 Bennington County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Bennington County is $4,396, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Bennington County a tax score of 6.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bennington County?
The median household income in Bennington County, Vermont is $71,494 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bennington County earns an income score of 70.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bennington County, Vermont a good place to live?
Bennington County scores 33.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Bennington 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 Bennington 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.