countyscore
53.3
County Score
Health 94Safety 90.7Income & Jobs 80.4

County Report Card

About Orange County, Vermont

Orange County Outperforms the National Median

Orange County earns a composite score of 53.3, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a higher-than-average quality of life compared to the typical American county.

A Top Performer in the Green Mountain State

With a 53.3 composite score, Orange County significantly exceeds the Vermont state average of 44.6. It stands out as one of the state's most livable regions based on these metrics.

Elite Health and Safety Scores Lead the Way

The county boasts an exceptional Health Score of 94.0 and a Safety Score of 90.7, indicating a very secure and healthy environment. A strong Income Score of 80.4 reflects a healthy median household income of $77,328.

Navigating High Taxes and Cost Barriers

A low Tax Score of 6.0 stems from an effective tax rate of 1.753%, which is high by national standards. Additionally, the Cost Score of 16.4 indicates that housing remains a significant expense for many residents.

The Ideal Haven for Health-Conscious Professionals

Orange County is perfect for high-earning families who prioritize personal safety and wellness above all else. Its strong income levels help offset the higher tax burden found in this region.

20406080100616.490.79448.180.473.641.350.3Tax6Cost16.4Safety90.7Health94Schools48.1Income80.4Risk73.6Water41.3Weather50.353.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Orange County DNA

Foverall

How Orange County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Orange County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (94/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6-46
Cost
16.4-31.6
Safety
90.7+35.7
Health
94+44
Schools
48.1
Income
80.4+29.400000000000006
Risk
73.6+26.599999999999994
Water
41.3-16.700000000000003
Weather
50.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Orange County?

Many homeowners in Orange 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

$251,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,145/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$251,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,328/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

50.7

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
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5
Windsor County
Vermont
42.5
Caledonia County
Vermont
41.9
Addison County
Vermont
53.8
Lamoille County
Vermont
47.7
Rutland County
Vermont
36.3
Chittenden County
Vermont
36.9

Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Orange County

via TaxByCounty

Orange County taxes well above national norm

Orange County's effective tax rate of 1.753% far exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $4,399, compared to just $2,690 nationwide—a 64% premium driven by Vermont's high reliance on property tax for school funding.

Slightly above average for Vermont

Orange County ranks in the middle of Vermont's 14 counties with a 1.753% effective rate, just 0.035 percentage points above the state average of 1.718%. The county's median tax bill of $4,399 sits below the state median of $4,648, reflecting lower home values here.

Orange sits between similar peers

Compared to neighboring Windham County (1.874%) and Windsor County (1.975%), Orange County's 1.753% rate is notably lower. However, Orleans County to the north is slightly cheaper at 1.678%, making Orange a moderate-tax option in central Vermont.

Typical Orange County homeowner pays $4,399

A homeowner with a median-value property of $251,000 in Orange County pays approximately $4,399 annually in property taxes. That's roughly $367 per month—a significant recurring cost alongside mortgage and maintenance.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Vermont homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to recent sales comparables. If your tax bill seems out of line with neighbors' homes of similar value, filing a property tax appeal with your town assessor could potentially reduce your effective rate and lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County rents align with national trends

Orange County households spend 17.8% of income on rent, matching the national affordability sweet spot and beating the Vermont state average. With a median household income of $77,328—3% above the national median—renters here enjoy stronger financial flexibility than many U.S. counterparts.

Middle of the pack in Vermont

Orange County's affordability mirrors the statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle among Vermont's six assessed counties. Neither the priciest nor the most affordable, Orange offers a balanced housing market for renters and owners alike.

Slightly pricier than adjacent counties

Orange County's median rent of $1,145 runs $28 higher than the state average and $248 above rural Orleans County to the north. However, homeowners here pay $1,279 monthly, sitting between Washington County's steeper $1,470 and Orleans County's more modest $1,140.

Housing takes a reasonable share

Renters spend $1,145 monthly while homeowners carry $1,279 in costs against a $77,328 annual income. Together, housing absorbs roughly 18–20% of household earnings, leaving residents with solid discretionary income for other priorities.

A stable choice for relocating families

If you're comparing Vermont counties, Orange offers reliable affordability and median home values around $251,000—accessible without leaving your entire budget at the property line. Consider it if you want solid schools and outdoor access without the premium pricing of nearby Washington County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange County earns above the national median

With a median household income of $77,328, Orange County outpaces the national median of $74,755 by nearly $2,600. This places the county in the upper-middle range nationally, reflecting stronger earning power than most American households.

Third-highest earners in Vermont

Orange County's median income exceeds Vermont's state average of $75,043, ranking third among the state's six counties. Only Washington and Windsor counties earn more, positioning Orange as a solid middle-income region within the state.

Outearns Windham and Rutland neighbors

Orange County households earn $77,328 compared to $68,021 in nearby Windham County and $64,778 in Rutland County—a difference of $9,307 and $12,550 respectively. This income advantage reflects Orange's relatively stronger economic opportunities in central Vermont.

Rent remains manageable for most households

At 17.8% of household income, Orange County's rent-to-income ratio is healthy and well below the 30% affordability threshold. Combined with a median home value of $251,000, housing costs are reasonable for the median earner here.

Build on Orange's earning advantage

Orange County households have the income foundation to save and invest for long-term wealth. With earning power above the national average and manageable housing costs, residents here are well-positioned to grow retirement savings and build equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Orange County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Orange County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 169.9 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Vermont Public Safety

The county's safety score significantly exceeds the Vermont state average of 97.8. With five reporting agencies, it stands as one of the most secure regions in the state.

Far Lower Crime Than Neighboring Counties

Orange County is remarkably safer than its neighbors, with a crime rate of 169.9 compared to 1,422.1 in Washington County and 1,277.8 in Windsor County. Residents experience nearly ten times less crime than those in adjacent jurisdictions.

Minimal Risk Across Crime Categories

Violent crime is rare at just 30.6 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime sits at 139.3. These figures represent some of the lowest rates recorded in New England for 2022.

Maintaining Peace of Mind at Home

While crime is exceptionally low, property crimes still account for the majority of local incidents. Basic security measures like outdoor lighting and locked doors help maintain the county's high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Small Rural Schools

Orange County operates 21 public schools, including 13 elementary and 5 high schools, serving 3,699 students. Education is managed across 9 distinct districts, creating a decentralized but localized infrastructure.

Targeting Growth in Graduation Rates

The county's 79.1% graduation rate trails both the state average of 81.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending is $10,019, the composite school score of 54.3 remains slightly above the national median.

Spotlight on Regional Education Districts

The Orange Southwest Unified Union School District #59 is the largest, enrolling 853 students across 5 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning all 3,699 students attend traditional public institutions.

Intimate Classrooms in Rural Settings

With 20 of 21 schools classified as rural, the average enrollment is just 195 students. Blue Mountain Union School is the largest campus with 411 students, while many smaller elementary schools offer highly personalized attention.

Discover Homes in Orange County

Families looking for close-knit school communities often find Orange County a perfect fit for their next home. Explore local listings to find a property near these small-town educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County's natural disaster risk

Orange County's composite risk score of 26.43 ranks it among the safest counties in America, well below the national average. Its "Very Low" risk rating reflects manageable exposure to most natural hazards, though certain risks like hurricanes and earthquakes still warrant attention.

Safest county in Vermont

Orange County's 26.43 score significantly outperforms Vermont's state average of 36.44, making it the lowest-risk county in the state. This 28% advantage over the statewide average reflects the county's relative protection from the region's most common natural hazards.

Lower risk than neighboring counties

Orange County's risk profile is substantially safer than its neighbors: Washington County (52.23), Windsor County (61.58), and Orleans County (36.83). Only Orleans County comes close to Orange's protective position, but Orange still maintains a clear advantage across most hazard types.

Hurricanes and earthquakes top concerns

Hurricane risk (65.46) and earthquake risk (37.79) represent Orange County's two most significant natural disaster threats. While flood risk sits at 50.00 and wildfire risk at just 17.18, residents in the county's river corridors should remain particularly attentive to seasonal flooding patterns.

Insurance that matches your risks

Homeowners in Orange County should prioritize comprehensive coverage that includes hurricane and earthquake protection, even though overall risk is low. Standard homeowners policies often exclude earthquake damage, so a separate policy or endorsement is essential for this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Orange County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Struggles Despite Better-Than-Average Rates

Orange County holds a Water Quality Grade of F based on three health violations recorded over the last five years. While the county's rate of 30.1 violations per 100,000 people is high, it remains lower than the Vermont state average of 43.2.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Federal authorities have not yet assessed the water bodies in Orange County under Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No impairment data is currently available for this reporting cycle.

Consistent Monitoring Across 89 Local Sites

Water quality experts maintain 89 monitoring sites, logging 7,658 measurements in the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic metals to ensure safety.

Connecticut River Flows Above Seasonal Norms

The USGS gauge on the Connecticut River at Wells River reports a current discharge of 6,800 cfs. This volume represents 134% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly higher-than-average water levels.

Managing High Flow and Compliance Gaps

Increased streamflow can often elevate sediment and nutrient levels in source water. Because the county carries an F grade for drinking water, residents should regularly check for local system alerts and consider annual home testing.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

Orange County is Cooler than the National Average

Orange County maintains a cool annual average temperature of 42.6°F. This falls roughly 11 degrees below the national median, placing it firmly in a classic northern climate zone. The county experiences significant seasonal shifts typical of the inland Northeast.

Slightly Chiller than the Vermont Average

The county's average temperature of 42.6°F sits exactly one degree below the statewide average of 43.6°F. While Vermont is known for its cold winters, Orange County tracks toward the cooler end of the state's spectrum. It also receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly less than the state average of 44.2 inches.

Cooler than Southern and Central Neighbors

Orange County is noticeably cooler than its southern neighbor, Windsor County, which averages 44.9°F. It also remains slightly chillier than Washington County to the northwest, which averages 43.2°F. This makes Orange one of the more temperate but consistently cool areas in the central-eastern region.

Deep Snow and Mild Summer Peaks

Winters are intense with an average January temperature of 16.1°F and 92.9 inches of annual snowfall. Summers remain mild, peaking at a July average of 67.1°F with only 3 days per year exceeding 90°F. The seasonal transition features a modest winter average of 19.3°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Road Prep

High-efficiency heating systems are essential for the long winter stretch where temperatures frequently dip into the teens. Residents should prepare for heavy snowfall of nearly 93 inches with reliable plowing services and snow tires. Summer cooling is rarely a major concern given the low frequency of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Green Mountains

Orange County features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.88, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this acidity defines the chemical environment for all local vegetation. It mirrors the state average of 4.86, reflecting the region's typical mountain soil chemistry.

A Gritty and Workable Mix

The soil is comprised of 45.4% sand and 31.8% silt, creating a gritty texture that is easy to work. With only 5.6% clay, the soil lacks the heavy compaction found in other regions but may struggle to bind certain nutrients. This high sand content suggests that the ground warms up quickly in the spring.

High Organic Matter, Lower Storage

At 13.58%, organic matter is nearly seven times the national average of 2.0%, though it sits below the state average of 29.01%. The available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, which is lower than the Vermont average of 0.235 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is carbon-rich, it holds less moisture for crops during dry spells.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. However, the high sand percentage typically indicates rapid drainage, which prevents root rot but may require more frequent irrigation. Builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to confirm local water movement.

Growing in Zone 5a

Orange County sits in hardiness zone 5a, making it ideal for cold-hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. Blueberries and potatoes will thrive in this acidic environment with very little amendment. Start your garden with these acid-loving staples to take advantage of the natural soil chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Mid-Range in Orange County

With a lawn difficulty score of 49.0, maintaining turf here is slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5a region requires resilient grass varieties to survive Vermont's cold winters and variable growing conditions.

Ample Rainfall and Gentle Summers

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for cool-season grasses. With only 3 extreme heat days per year and 1,846 growing degree days, lawns face less heat stress than the state average.

Navigating Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH of 4.88 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating regular lime applications to reduce acidity. Because the soil is 45.4% sand, water drains quickly, which can leave grass thirsty during dry spells.

A Long Season of Dry Spells

Lawns endured 33 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 95.8% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth during these prolonged dry periods.

Timing the Seeding for Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best performers for this zone's climate and frost schedule. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 9th or before the first fall frost arrives on October 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, Vermont has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Orange County rank among counties in Vermont?
Orange County ranks #4 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 Orange County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $4,399, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, Vermont is $77,328 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 80.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, Vermont a good place to live?
Orange County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Orange 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 Orange 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.