countyscore
41.9
County Score
Health 82.8Disaster Risk 69.9Soil Quality 67.1

County Report Card

About Caledonia County, Vermont

Below the National Median

Caledonia County earns a 41.9 composite score, falling short of the national median of 50.0. While it lags nationally, it offers a distinct profile of rural physical wellness.

Near the State Average

The county sits slightly below the Vermont state average of 44.6. It offers a more modest cost profile than the state's major urban population centers.

Health and Natural Resilience

A health score of 82.8 and a risk score of 69.9 show a community that is physically well and environmentally resilient. The cost score of 31.7 is high for Vermont, supported by a median rent of just $904.

Tax and Infrastructure Burdens

Low scores in tax (4.9) and water quality (34.9) present the biggest obstacles for local residents. The effective tax rate of 1.830% is among the highest in the region.

Ideal for Thrifty Adventurers

Caledonia is a strong fit for budget-conscious individuals who value access to nature and low-cost housing. It rewards those who prioritize physical wellness over low tax burdens.

204060801004.931.732.582.851.257.269.934.949.8Tax4.9Cost31.7Safety32.5Health82.8Schools51.2Income57.2Risk69.9Water34.9Weather49.841.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Caledonia County DNA

Foverall

How Caledonia County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Caledonia County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.9-47.1
Cost
31.7-16.3
Safety
32.5-22.5
Health
82.8+32.8
Schools
51.2
Income
57.2
Risk
69.9+22.900000000000006
Water
34.9-23.1
Weather
49.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Caledonia County?

Many homeowners in Caledonia County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$215,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$904/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$215,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,075/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

78.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Essex County
Vermont
55.7
Orleans County
Vermont
43
Lamoille County
Vermont
47.7
Washington County
Vermont
41.7
Orange County
Vermont
53.3
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5
Coos County
New Hampshire
41.2
Franklin County
Vermont
44

Deep Dives

Caledonia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caledonia County

via TaxByCounty

Caledonia has Vermont's steepest tax rate

At 1.830%, Caledonia County's effective tax rate ranks among the nation's highest, exceeding the national median of 1.099% by 66%. The median tax bill of $3,951 remains below the national median of $2,690 only because homes here are significantly less valuable than the national median.

Highest effective rate in the state

Caledonia County leads Vermont with a 1.830% effective tax rate, well above the state average of 1.718%. This represents the steepest burden among all 14 Vermont counties, driving higher levies on owners despite lower property values.

Essex and Addison pay significantly less

Caledonia's 1.830% rate substantially outpaces neighboring Essex County's 1.688% and Addison County's 1.693% to the west. Only Bennington's 1.708% comes close, making Caledonia's tax environment notably more burdensome across the region.

Annual tax runs $3,951 on median home

On the county's median home value of $215,900, a 1.830% rate equals roughly $3,951 in annual taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $4,204 per year, while those without pay approximately $3,613.

Appeals are worth considering here

With Caledonia bearing Vermont's highest tax rates, any assessment overvaluation compounds the burden significantly more than in other counties. Given the steeper levies, it's particularly worthwhile to verify your assessment matches comparable sales and pursue an appeal if it doesn't align with market values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caledonia County

via CostByCounty

Vermont's most affordable county for renters

Caledonia County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.4%, beating Vermont's state average of 17.8% and nearly matching national affordability standards. Though median household income of $66,075 lags both state and national figures, Caledonia's exceptionally low rents of $904 monthly provide genuine relief for budget-stretched households.

Cheapest rents in Vermont by far

Caledonia's median gross rent of $904 is the lowest statewide, with a median home value of $215,900 that also ranks among Vermont's most affordable. The 16.4% rent-to-income ratio places Caledonia among the state's best deals, especially for renters unable to purchase.

Unbeatable rents in Northeast Kingdom

Caledonia's $904 median rent dramatically undercuts neighboring Essex ($915) and substantially beats Franklin ($1,164) and Addison ($1,201) upstate. Home prices of $215,900 are similarly rock-bottom for the region, positioning Caledonia as Vermont's most wallet-friendly corner.

Lowest costs, lowest incomes trade-off

Caledonia's median rent of $904 and owner costs of $1,123 are the cheapest in Vermont, but median household income of $66,075 is also the lowest statewide. At 16.4%, housing still claims less than the safe 30% of income, making this county highly affordable despite modest wages.

Best choice if cost is your priority

Caledonia is Vermont's clear winner for absolute affordability, offering the lowest rents and home prices statewide. If you're relocating with limited income or early-stage career prospects, Caledonia maximizes what you can afford; if you need higher wages, Chittenden or Addison offer better job markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caledonia County

via IncomeByCounty

Caledonia below national average

Caledonia County's median household income of $66,075 falls 12% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's economy centers on rural employment, healthcare, and small retail, which constrains overall wage levels.

Eleventh of fourteen Vermont counties

Caledonia ranks 11th statewide, roughly $9,000 below Vermont's county median of $75,043. The county's per capita income of $38,153 notably trails the state average of $42,747, suggesting lower individual earnings.

Struggling compared to Essex County

Caledonia's $66,075 median tops Essex County ($58,985) by about $7,000 but lags Franklin County ($79,078) by more than $13,000. The county's northeast location and rural character limit access to higher-wage employment centers.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Caledonia's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains in the sustainable range, though pairing with lower incomes means less flexibility for other expenses. The median home value of $215,900 is affordable relative to local incomes but leaves little margin for error.

Start small, think long-term

With median household income near $66,000, Caledonia residents need disciplined budgeting to free up wealth-building capital. Even small automatic transfers to savings—even $50 monthly—compound significantly over decades; explore employer retirement plans and community credit unions for low-cost help.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Caledonia County

via CrimeByCounty

High safety ratings for the Northeast Kingdom

Caledonia County boasts a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a very secure environment compared to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,584.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Tracking with Vermont state averages

The county's crime rate of 1,584.6 is slightly higher than the Vermont average of 1,397.0. However, its safety score remains competitive with the state's impressive overall score of 97.8.

Maintaining safety in Northern Vermont

Caledonia maintains a lower crime rate than Chittenden County, though it sees more activity than ultra-rural Essex County. Law enforcement across five agencies monitors these regional trends closely.

Low violent crime in Caledonia

Violent crime is infrequent here, with only 230.1 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for 1,354.5 incidents, which is about 33% lower than the national average.

Proactive protection for your property

Ensuring your property is well-lit and secure can help deter common property-related incidents. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs helps preserve the safety of the Northeast Kingdom.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Caledonia County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Elementary Education

Caledonia County operates 13 public schools across seven districts, serving 3,031 students. The landscape is dominated by 11 elementary schools, reflecting a strong emphasis on localized primary education.

Graduation Rates Surpass State Average Despite Leaner Spending

Local students achieve an 84% graduation rate, outpacing the Vermont state average of 81.3%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $9,402, which sits below both the state and national spending benchmarks.

Kingdom East Leads the County Enrollment

Kingdom East Unified Union School District #64 is the largest provider, educating 1,224 students across seven schools. No charter schools exist in this county, meaning all students attend traditional district-run schools.

Quiet Rural Learning in Intimate Settings

With 12 of 13 schools located in rural areas, the average school size is a manageable 233 students. St. Johnsbury School is the largest campus with 702 students, while most other facilities offer a much smaller, tight-knit feel.

Relocate to a County with High-Performing Rural Schools

If you are seeking a community where graduation rates consistently beat the state average, Caledonia County is a strong contender. Look for homes near St. Johnsbury or within the Kingdom East district for a blend of rural charm and academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caledonia County

via RiskByCounty

Caledonia ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of 30.15 and a "Very Low" rating, Caledonia County sits well below the national average for natural disaster risk. Its hazard profile reflects the protective geography of northeastern Vermont's uplands.

Vermont's second-safest county profile

Caledonia's score of 30.15 ranks second-lowest in Vermont, just above Grand Isle County, and well below the state average of 36.44. The county's relative isolation and higher elevation contribute to its favorable risk position.

Safer than most northeastern counties

Caledonia's risk profile stands notably lower than Essex County (3.21 composite score) and closer to Lamoille's 18.26, making it one of the Northeast Kingdom's more stable communities. Its tornado risk (10.27) ranks among Vermont's lowest.

Hurricanes and floods warrant attention

Caledonia's primary hazard exposures stem from hurricane risk (71.26) and flood risk (52.80), driven by Atlantic weather systems and river valleys including the Passumpsic and Lamoille. Earthquake risk (44.88) presents a moderate but manageable secondary concern.

Prioritize flood and wind protection

Caledonia residents should secure flood insurance through the NFIP, particularly in mapped flood zones along the county's river systems. Wind coverage should also be verified, as hurricane-force winds occasionally impact the region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Caledonia County

via WaterByCounty

Low Compliance Grade Signals Risk

Caledonia County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance following 7 health violations in five years. At 47.2 violations per 100,000 people, the county exceeds the Vermont state average of 43.2. This higher-than-average rate indicates significant vulnerabilities in the local public water infrastructure.

Federal Watershed Health Data Missing

Caledonia's rivers and lakes are not currently covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. This means there is no official record of which water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards for this reporting cycle. Local stakeholders must rely on state-level data until federal assessments are completed.

Tracking Nutrients and Metals

Monitoring efforts at 81 sites have produced 11,090 measurements in the last five years. The top characteristic groups tracked include nutrients, metals, and physical parameters. These records are essential for identifying shifts in the county's overall water quality profile.

Passumpsic River Experiencing High Flows

The Passumpsic River at Passumpsic is currently flowing at 1,140 cfs, which is 146% of its long-term mean. These elevated levels across the 436-square-mile drainage area indicate recent heavy precipitation or snowmelt. High flows can increase the risk of surface runoff entering local source water supplies.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Given the Grade F compliance score and high current streamflow, residents should be wary of potential contamination from runoff. We recommend using water filtration and scheduling annual tests for private wells. High nutrient monitoring suggests that managing local agricultural and lawn runoff is crucial for protecting the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Caledonia County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Snowy Northeast Kingdom

Caledonia’s 41.3°F average temperature is nearly 13 degrees below the national median. This high-latitude climate is defined by long, rigorous winters and very brief summers.

Deep Below the State Average

At 41.3°F, the county is 2.3 degrees colder than the Vermont state average. It ranks as one of the coldest inhabited areas in the entire state.

Warmer Only Than Essex

While colder than most, Caledonia is slightly milder than Essex County’s 40.4°F average. However, it remains much colder than the 47.0°F average found in Chittenden.

Massive Snow and Deep Freezes

January temperatures average a frigid 13.7°F, contributing to a massive 127.6 inches of annual snowfall. July remains cool at 66.1°F, with almost no extreme heat days.

Winter Gear is Essential

Homeowners must prepare for over 10 feet of snow with reinforced roofing and heavy-duty snowblowers. Extreme cold-weather clothing is a necessity for the sub-15-degree January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Caledonia County

via SoilByCounty

Sharply Acidic Northern Soils

Caledonia’s pH of 4.51 is very acidic, sitting nearly two points below the national 6.5 median. This sharp acidity is even lower than the Vermont average of 4.86, defining the unique chemistry of this northern landscape.

Sandy Soils for Easy Tilling

The soil is relatively sandy at 38.4%, with a very low clay content of only 3.9%. This high-sand, low-clay profile means the soil drains quickly and is exceptionally easy to till in the early spring.

Vast Organic Matter for Resilient Growth

With 47.89% organic matter, the soil is incredibly rich compared to the 2.0% national average. The water capacity of 0.304 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, providing a great buffer for dry spells.

Quick Drainage in the Highlands

Low clay percentages suggest rapid drainage, ensuring the ground does not hold onto excess moisture for long periods. This is a significant advantage for preventing root rot in the damp Vermont climate.

Hardy Crops for a Shorter Season

Zone 4b brings a shorter growing season, but hardy crops like kale and potatoes thrive here. Use the county's strong 67.1 soil score to your advantage by planting cold-tolerant varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caledonia County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Zone 4b

Caledonia County has a lawn difficulty score of 46.3, making maintenance more difficult than the national average. As a hardiness zone 4b region, the shorter growing window and colder winters present unique hurdles for local lawns.

Cooler Summers and Short Seasons

The county records just 1737 growing degree days and only 2 extreme heat days, reflecting a very cool climate. While 44.3 inches of rain provides plenty of water, the limited warmth restricts the total growth potential each year.

Acidic Soil and Low Clay

The soil pH of 4.51 is quite low, necessitating aggressive lime applications to support healthy turf. Low clay content of 3.9% means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients, requiring careful fertilization strategies.

Extended Periods of Dryness

The county spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry. Monitoring soil moisture is critical, as even these cool regions can face significant turf stress during long dry runs.

Focus on Hardy Species

Select the most cold-tolerant grass varieties like Creeping Red Fescue for this 4b zone. Aim to seed after May 10 to maximize the growing window before the first fall frost arrives in early October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caledonia County's county score?
Caledonia County, Vermont has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Caledonia County rank among counties in Vermont?
Caledonia County ranks #9 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 Caledonia County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Caledonia County is $3,951, with an effective tax rate of 1.83%. This earns Caledonia County a tax score of 4.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caledonia County?
The median household income in Caledonia County, Vermont is $66,075 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caledonia County earns an income score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caledonia County, Vermont a good place to live?
Caledonia County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Caledonia 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 Caledonia County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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