countyscore
47.7
County Score
Health 88.1Disaster Risk 81.8Schools 69.5

County Report Card

About Lamoille County, Vermont

Close to National Norms

Lamoille County sits near the national median with a composite score of 47.7. Its profile reflects a healthy community with moderate economic challenges.

Beating the State Average

The county performs better than the Vermont state average of 44.6. It serves as a highly desirable middle-ground for residents in Northern Vermont.

Healthy Living and Resilient Schools

High scores in health (88.1) and environmental risk (81.8) define the local quality of life. Schools also perform well, earning a respectable score of 69.5.

Water and Tax Hurdles

Water quality is the county's lowest metric at 22.6. Taxes are also a burden, with a score of 7.8 and an effective rate of 1.673% affecting household wealth.

The Active Community Choice

Lamoille is a great fit for active outdoor enthusiasts who want good schools and a healthy environment. It rewards those who prioritize physical wellness and can manage the high tax load.

204060801007.815.355.188.169.566.181.822.650.3Tax7.8Cost15.3Safety55.1Health88.1Schools69.5Income66.1Risk81.8Water22.6Weather50.347.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Lamoille County DNA

Foverall

How Lamoille County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lamoille County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (88.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.8-44.2
Cost
15.3-32.7
Safety
55.1
Health
88.1+38.099999999999994
Schools
69.5+15.5
Income
66.1+15.099999999999994
Risk
81.8+34.8
Water
22.6-35.4
Weather
50.3
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Think property taxes are too high in Lamoille County?

Many homeowners in Lamoille 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

$285,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,123/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$285,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,897/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

42.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Vermont
41.7
Franklin County
Vermont
44
Orleans County
Vermont
43
Chittenden County
Vermont
36.9
Caledonia County
Vermont
41.9
Grand Isle County
Vermont
59
Orange County
Vermont
53.3
Essex County
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55.7

Deep Dives

Lamoille County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lamoille County

via TaxByCounty

Lamoille taxes exceed national benchmark

At 1.673%, Lamoille County's effective tax rate runs 52% above the national median of 1.099%, landing around the 76th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $4,771 sits 77% above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both moderate tax rates and above-average home values.

Slightly below state average statewide

Lamoille County's 1.673% effective rate runs marginally below Vermont's state average of 1.718%, placing it near the middle of Vermont's 14 counties. The median tax of $4,771 sits squarely above the state average of $4,648.

Lighter than Caledonia, heavier than Grand Isle

Lamoille's 1.673% rate sits well below Caledonia County's 1.830% to the east but exceeds Grand Isle's 1.355% to the north. The rate positions Lamoille in the moderate range across north-central Vermont.

Median home yields $4,771 in annual taxes

On a median home value of $285,200, Lamoille County's 1.673% effective rate translates to approximately $4,771 in yearly property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay roughly $4,735, while those without mortgages pay around $4,836.

Overassessments are worth investigating

Like all Vermont counties, approximately one-third of Lamoille homeowners may carry inflated assessments relative to true market value. Comparing your assessment to recent sales of comparable homes and filing an appeal if yours appears overvalued can deliver meaningful tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lamoille County

via CostByCounty

Higher housing burden despite decent incomes

Lamoille County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% stands 1.5 points above Vermont's state average of 17.8%, making it one of the state's pricier relative to incomes. With a median household income of $69,897—7% below the national average—Lamoille residents face above-average housing pressure despite living in a rural county.

Vermont's tightest housing burden

Lamoille claims the highest rent-to-income ratio statewide at 19.3%, signaling that residents here dedicate more of their paychecks to housing than any other Vermont county. Combined with a median income of $69,897—below-average for the state—Lamoille's affordability challenges are acute despite moderate absolute rents of $1,123.

Lower income but similar housing costs

Lamoille's median rent of $1,123 is close to Franklin ($1,164) and Addison ($1,201), but its median income of $69,897 is significantly lower than both neighbors. This income disadvantage translates to a higher housing burden percentage, making Lamoille feel less affordable than neighbors charging similar absolute rents.

Most income dedicated to housing

Renters spend $1,123 monthly and homeowners $1,394 against a median household income of just $69,897, consuming 19.3% for housing. This leaves only about 80% of income for utilities, food, healthcare, and other essentials—a tighter squeeze than most Vermont counties.

Consider only with strong job prospects locally

Lamoille is Vermont's most housing-stretched county, making it risky for relocators without secure local employment or robust savings. If you're moving here for a specific job opportunity that anchors your income, the mountains and outdoor recreation may justify the affordability squeeze; otherwise, explore higher-income counties like Franklin or Addison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lamoille County

via IncomeByCounty

Lamoille trails national average

Lamoille County's median household income of $69,897 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 7%. The county's reliance on tourism, small manufacturing, and education limits overall earnings growth compared to national benchmarks.

Ninth of fourteen Vermont counties

Lamoille ranks 9th statewide, falling $5,146 short of Vermont's county average of $75,043. The county's per capita income of $45,885 exceeds the state mean, suggesting more evenly distributed earnings despite lower household totals.

Below Addison and Franklin

Lamoille's $69,897 median trails Addison ($88,478) by nearly $18,600 and Franklin ($79,078) by $9,181. The county's rural character and distance from major employment hubs constrain wage levels relative to its western neighbors.

Housing costs bite hard here

Lamoille's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is the second-highest in Vermont, reflecting housing cost pressures on moderate incomes. The median home value of $285,200 demands careful budgeting from buyers and substantial sacrifice from renters.

Intentional saving is essential

With median household income near $70,000, Lamoille residents must be strategic about wealth building, given housing cost pressures. Start by cutting unnecessary expenses, automating even modest savings, and exploring lower-cost investment options through workplace retirement plans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lamoille County

via CrimeByCounty

Lamoille County ranks high for safety

With a safety score of 98.4, Lamoille County is considerably safer than the average U.S. community. Its total crime rate of 1,024.0 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Vermont average

Lamoille’s crime rate of 1,024.0 is lower than the Vermont state average of 1,397.0. Its safety score of 98.4 also exceeds the statewide average score of 97.8.

Solid safety compared to surrounding counties

Lamoille County maintains lower crime rates than neighboring Chittenden and Caledonia. Three reporting agencies provide consistent data for the region, confirming its status as a safe haven.

Very low violent crime rates

The violent crime rate is just 84.7 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime sits at 939.3, representing less than half the national property crime rate.

Protecting your Lamoille County home

Residents can maintain this high level of safety by using smart home technology and secure locks. Neighborhood communication remains one of the most effective ways to prevent localized property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lamoille County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels in a Rural Setting

Lamoille County supports 16 public schools across five districts, serving 3,423 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring nine elementary, three middle, and four high schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Lamoille County boasts an impressive 89.2% graduation rate, which beats both the national average of 87% and the state average of 81.3%. This performance is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $11,571.

Lamoille South Unified Drives Student Growth

The Lamoille South Unified Union School District #90 is the largest provider, overseeing seven schools and 1,602 students. Like many other Vermont counties, there are no charter schools within the local system.

Consistently Rural with Middle-Sized Classrooms

Every school in the county is located in a rural locale, with an average enrollment of 228 students. Lamoille Union High School is the largest campus in the county, serving 478 students.

Invest in a County with Top-Tier Academic Stats

With the highest graduation rates in the region, Lamoille County is a standout for education-focused homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods in Stowe or Morristown to find a home near some of the state's most successful public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lamoille County

via RiskByCounty

Lamoille ranks among America's safest

Lamoille County's composite risk score of 18.26 places it well below the national average with a "Very Low" rating. Its position in central Vermont's mountains provides natural protection from most major hazard types.

Fourth-safest county in Vermont

Lamoille County ranks fourth lowest statewide with a score of 18.26, substantially below Vermont's average of 36.44. Only Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties register lower overall risk profiles in the state.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Lamoille's risk score of 18.26 stands notably below Chittenden County (63.90) to the northwest and Caledonia County (30.15) to the northeast. Its mountain setting creates buffering effects against multiple hazard types.

Hurricanes and floods are top concerns

Lamoille County's primary exposures come from hurricane risk (61.62) and flood risk (42.81), reflecting Atlantic weather systems and the Lamoille River valley's geography. Earthquake risk (40.49) presents a modest but manageable tertiary concern.

Flood insurance worth considering

Lamoille residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind coverage for hurricane season. Flood insurance through the NFIP is advisable for properties in or near mapped flood zones along major river valleys.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lamoille County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Concerns with Grade F

Lamoille County struggles with drinking water safety, earning a Grade F due to 15 health violations. The violation rate of 105.2 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Vermont state average of 43.2. This high rate indicates significant and persistent challenges for local water system operators.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Recorded

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet been completed for the water bodies in Lamoille County. This means the official share of impaired waters and their primary causes are not available in the current federal reporting cycle. Local water health status remains undocumented by the EPA at this time.

Chemical and Physical Water Profiling

Scientists have recorded 6,219 measurements at 67 sites across Lamoille County over the last five years. The data collection focuses on physical properties, inorganics, and metals. These records help identify potential contaminants that could be impacting the county's water supply.

Current Discharge on the Lamoille River

The Lamoille River at Jeffersonville is currently flowing at 1,140 cfs. While a long-term mean is not currently available for comparison, this measurement provides a real-time snapshot of the volume moving through the 489-square-mile drainage area. Steady discharge is critical for maintaining the health of the local river system.

Action Needed on Drinking Water Safety

The Grade F compliance score is a strong signal for residents to consider home water testing and high-quality filtration systems. Focus on protecting the watershed from metal and inorganic contaminants, which are top priorities in local monitoring. Staying informed about local utility violations is the best way to ensure your household's safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lamoille County

via WeatherByCounty

The Snow Capital of the East

Lamoille County averages 41.0°F, placing it among the coldest counties in the nation. It is characterized by extreme winter precipitation and a very short growing season.

Deeply Cold and Very Wet

Ranking 7th for warmth in this group, Lamoille is 2.6 degrees colder than the state average. It is also the wettest county, receiving 58.1 inches of annual precipitation.

A Mountainous Weather Outlier

Lamoille’s 41.0°F average is much colder than neighboring Chittenden’s 47.0°F. It receives over 100 inches more snow than most of its neighbors.

Record-Breaking Snowfall Totals

The county averages a staggering 187.1 inches of snow per year. Summers are cool and wet, with July averaging just 65.2°F and only 2 days of extreme heat.

Serious Snow Management Required

Structural snow-load capacity is a primary concern for homeowners facing 15 feet of annual snow. High-performance heating and moisture control are essential for the 58-inch precipitation levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lamoille County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged and Acidic Forest Soils

Lamoille’s soil is acidic with a pH of 4.51, well below the national median of 6.5 and lower than the state average of 4.86. This acidity reflects the county's rugged and forest-rich landscape.

Gritty Texture Resists Compaction

The soil contains 40.7% sand and 27.2% silt, with a relatively low 5.3% clay content. This leads to a gritty texture that resists compaction and stays manageable even during the wet shoulder seasons.

Strong Organic Matter Content

The organic matter is high at 30.89%, just edging out the state average of 29.01%. With a water capacity of 0.239 in/in, it aligns perfectly with the Vermont state benchmark for moisture retention.

Soil Built for Woodland Agriculture

The low clay content suggests water moves through the profile easily, which is ideal for native flora. This makes it a good candidate for raised-bed gardening or sustainable woodland agriculture.

Berry Patch Potential in Zone 5a

Zone 5a gardeners find success with acid-loving crops like strawberries and raspberries. The county’s soil score of 66.0 is strong, indicating high potential for those who manage the acidity levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lamoille County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Tasks in Lamoille

Lamoille County faces the steepest challenge with a lawn difficulty score of only 35.2. In hardiness zone 5a, residents must contend with environmental factors far more demanding than the state average.

Excessive Rain and Short Seasons

Lamoille receives a massive 58.1 inches of annual precipitation, which can lead to drainage issues and fungal growth. Combined with a low 1658 growing degree days, grass has less time to recover from the wet, cool conditions.

Highly Acidic Soil Foundation

A soil pH of 4.51 is much lower than the ideal 6.0 range, requiring significant soil amendments. The low clay content of 5.3% means the soil may not hold onto lime as long as other regions.

Surprising Dry Stretches

Despite the high rainfall, the county spent 30 weeks in drought last year, and 45.3% is currently abnormally dry. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is essential to help the soil retain moisture during these swings.

Maximize Your Short Window

Stick with very hardy Fine Fescues that can handle both the moisture and the cold. With a late spring frost on May 23, patience is key before starting your spring lawn renovation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamoille County's county score?
Lamoille County, Vermont has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Lamoille County rank among counties in Vermont?
Lamoille County ranks #5 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 Lamoille County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Lamoille County is $4,771, with an effective tax rate of 1.67%. This earns Lamoille County a tax score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lamoille County?
The median household income in Lamoille County, Vermont is $69,897 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lamoille County earns an income score of 66.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lamoille County, Vermont a good place to live?
Lamoille County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Lamoille 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 Lamoille County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.