Caledonia County

Vermont · VT

#7 in Vermont
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Caledonia County, Vermont

Strong National Standing

Caledonia County scores 65.2, comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This places it among the better counties for livability nationwide.

A Top Performer in Vermont

With a score of 65.2, Caledonia ranks above Vermont's average of 64.0, cementing its status as one of the state's more livable counties. Its performance is particularly strong given lower average incomes.

Exceptional Affordability

Caledonia's standout strength is housing affordability, with a cost score of 75.0—the highest in this Vermont cohort—and median rent at just $904/month. The county also demonstrates solid resilience with a risk score of 69.9.

Income Growth Remains Limited

The income score of 26.5 is among the lowest statewide, with median household income at $66,075. Tax burden at 1.830% is also the highest in this group.

Ideal for Frugal, Resilient Families

Caledonia is perfect for families prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and rural tranquility over high earning potential. This county rewards self-sufficiency and appeals to those seeking remote work lifestyles or modest retirement incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax50.8Cost75SafetyComing SoonHealth77.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk69.9WaterComing Soon
🏛50.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
69.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Caledonia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Caledonia County

via HealthByCounty

Caledonia trails U.S. health benchmarks

At 76.7 years, Caledonia's life expectancy falls 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, among the nation's lower ranges. With 14.1% of residents in poor or fair health versus 17.9% nationally, the county shows modest health advantages despite lower life expectancy.

Bottom tier of Vermont health

Caledonia ranks among Vermont's least healthy counties, with life expectancy 1.5 years below the state average of 78.2 years. Its 14.1% poor/fair health rate places it in the bottom third of Vermont rankings.

Tied for lowest life expectancy

Caledonia matches Bennington at 76.7 years, the lowest among all regional peers. Its 14.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds Addison (10.2%) and Chittenden (12.7%), signaling greater population health stress.

Limited primary care availability

Caledonia has just 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly below state and national norms—making timely primary care harder to access. With 431 mental health providers per 100,000 and 5.3% uninsured, the county faces real access constraints.

Get covered to bridge care gaps

Limited provider access makes health insurance even more critical in Caledonia—uninsured residents face double barriers to care. Check Vermont's marketplace immediately to secure coverage and identify providers before you need them.

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.

ByCounty Network

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