Orange County's composite score of 65.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This gap reflects a county where affordability, health outcomes, and environmental resilience cluster together favorably compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Slightly above Vermont average
Orange County ranks first among Vermont's six measured counties with a score of 65.6, just ahead of the state average of 64.0. This marginal lead reflects balanced strength across multiple dimensions rather than dominance in any single area.
3 / 5
Health and resilience lead the way
Orange County excels in health outcomes (82.8) and environmental risk management (73.6), both among its highest-scoring dimensions. These strengths suggest a county with strong healthcare infrastructure and lower exposure to natural or environmental hazards, appealing to families prioritizing well-being.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind affordability gains
The income score of 33.9 is Orange County's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $77,328 trailing higher-earning regions. While housing remains affordable relative to those earnings, wage growth opportunities may limit long-term economic mobility for some residents.
5 / 5
A healthy, stable choice for rural seekers
Orange County suits families and retirees who prioritize health, environmental safety, and housing affordability over rapid income growth. Its above-average livability score and strong wellness metrics make it an appealing base for those seeking a quieter Vermont lifestyle without sacrificing access to healthcare.
Orange County's composite score of 65.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This gap reflects a county where affordability, health outcomes, and environmental resilience cluster together favorably compared to most American communities.
Slightly above Vermont average
Orange County ranks first among Vermont's six measured counties with a score of 65.6, just ahead of the state average of 64.0. This marginal lead reflects balanced strength across multiple dimensions rather than dominance in any single area.
Health and resilience lead the way
Orange County excels in health outcomes (82.8) and environmental risk management (73.6), both among its highest-scoring dimensions. These strengths suggest a county with strong healthcare infrastructure and lower exposure to natural or environmental hazards, appealing to families prioritizing well-being.
Income growth lags behind affordability gains
The income score of 33.9 is Orange County's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $77,328 trailing higher-earning regions. While housing remains affordable relative to those earnings, wage growth opportunities may limit long-term economic mobility for some residents.
A healthy, stable choice for rural seekers
Orange County suits families and retirees who prioritize health, environmental safety, and housing affordability over rapid income growth. Its above-average livability score and strong wellness metrics make it an appealing base for those seeking a quieter Vermont lifestyle without sacrificing access to healthcare.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 79.1 years, Orange County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a nearly three-year advantage that reflects strong community health outcomes. Only 11.1% of residents report being in poor or fair health, significantly better than the national rate of 17.3%, suggesting robust overall wellness across the county.
Vermont's healthiest counties cluster here
Orange County ranks in the top tier of Vermont counties by life expectancy, exceeding the state average of 78.2 years by nearly a full year. This positions Orange among the state's leaders in longevity and preventive health outcomes.
Outpacing surrounding Vermont regions
Orange County's 79.1-year life expectancy beats neighboring Orleans (76.2 years) and Rutland (76.5 years) counties by 2.6 to 2.9 years. The county's 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensures accessible first-line care across its communities.
Low uninsured rates, adequate provider access
Just 4.9% of Orange County residents lack health insurance—below Vermont's 5.1% average—while 81 primary care providers per 100K serve routine medical needs. Mental health support is available through 414 providers per 100K, providing essential behavioral health capacity for residents seeking care.
Keep your coverage strong and current
Even with Orange County's strong insurance rates, it's worth reviewing your plan annually to ensure it meets your family's needs. Visit healthcare.gov or Vermont's Health Care Access Project to explore options and confirm you're getting the coverage you deserve.
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.