countyscore
42.4
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.

204060801005.232.832.582.851.261.869.934.949.8Tax5.2Cost32.8Safety32.5Health82.8Schools51.2Income61.8Risk69.9Water34.9Weather49.842.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Caledonia County DNA

Foverall

How Caledonia County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Caledonia County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.2-46.8
Cost
32.8-15.200000000000003
Safety
32.5-22.5
Health
82.8+32.8
Schools
51.2
Income
61.8+10.799999999999997
Risk
69.9+22.900000000000006
Water
34.9-23.1
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$227,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$920/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$227,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,970/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.

Deep Dives

Caledonia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caledonia County's county score?
Caledonia County, Vermont has a composite county score of 42.4 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 $4,022, with an effective tax rate of 1.76%. This earns Caledonia County a tax score of 5.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caledonia County?
The median household income in Caledonia County, Vermont is $69,970 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caledonia County earns an income score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caledonia County, Vermont a good place to live?
Caledonia County scores 42.4/100 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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