Orleans County beats national livability benchmark
Orleans County's composite score of 65.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 15 points, ranking it in the top tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates particular strength in housing affordability, a key livability driver that resonates nationwide.
2 / 5
Second in Vermont, steady performer
Orleans County ranks second statewide with a 65.3 score, just 0.3 points behind Orange County and 1.3 points above Vermont's average. This consistency reflects reliable performance across multiple livability dimensions without notable weak spots.
3 / 5
Affordability stands out sharply
Orleans County boasts the highest cost score among Vermont's measured counties at 74.9, with the lowest median rent ($897/month) and median home value ($213,300). This exceptional affordability makes it the most accessible entry point for budget-conscious homebuyers and renters in the state.
4 / 5
Income opportunities need strengthening
With an income score of 26.7 and median household income of $66,426, Orleans County ranks lowest in earning potential among the six counties studied. The gap between low housing costs and modest incomes suggests limited high-wage job availability in the area.
5 / 5
The affordability champion for budget builders
Orleans County is ideal for remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and first-time homebuyers seeking maximum affordability with decent health and livability metrics. Its low cost of living paired with solid health services makes it Vermont's best value proposition, though wage-earners should research local job markets carefully.
Orleans County beats national livability benchmark
Orleans County's composite score of 65.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 15 points, ranking it in the top tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates particular strength in housing affordability, a key livability driver that resonates nationwide.
Second in Vermont, steady performer
Orleans County ranks second statewide with a 65.3 score, just 0.3 points behind Orange County and 1.3 points above Vermont's average. This consistency reflects reliable performance across multiple livability dimensions without notable weak spots.
Affordability stands out sharply
Orleans County boasts the highest cost score among Vermont's measured counties at 74.9, with the lowest median rent ($897/month) and median home value ($213,300). This exceptional affordability makes it the most accessible entry point for budget-conscious homebuyers and renters in the state.
Income opportunities need strengthening
With an income score of 26.7 and median household income of $66,426, Orleans County ranks lowest in earning potential among the six counties studied. The gap between low housing costs and modest incomes suggests limited high-wage job availability in the area.
The affordability champion for budget builders
Orleans County is ideal for remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and first-time homebuyers seeking maximum affordability with decent health and livability metrics. Its low cost of living paired with solid health services makes it Vermont's best value proposition, though wage-earners should research local job markets carefully.
Score breakdown
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🏛55.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Orleans County's 1.678% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it well above most U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $3,579 is 33% higher than the national median of $2,690, though lower home values here ($213,300) keep the absolute burden moderate.
Vermont's most tax-friendly county
Orleans County has the lowest effective tax rate in Vermont at 1.678%, trailing the state average of 1.718% by 0.040 percentage points. This makes it an outlier—the only county meaningfully below Vermont's statewide norm.
Orleans undercuts all regional peers
Orleans County's 1.678% rate beats Orange County (1.753%), Rutland County (1.858%), and every other Vermont neighbor. This advantage is particularly striking compared to Washington County (1.868%) and Windsor County (1.975%) to the south and east.
Orleans homeowners pay $3,579 yearly
On a median home value of $213,300, Orleans County residents pay about $3,579 in annual property taxes. That translates to roughly $298 per month—the lowest median tax burden in the state.
Even lower bills through tax appeals
Orleans County homeowners with properties assessed above fair market value can file appeals with their town assessors. Given the county's already-low rates, successful appeals could trim hundreds of dollars annually from tax bills.
Orleans County beats the national affordability test
Renters in Orleans County spend just 16.2% of income on housing, outperforming both the national median and Vermont's 17.8% state average. This rural county's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the state, offering genuine relief for budget-conscious households.
Most affordable rents in Vermont
Orleans County has the lowest median rent in the state at $897 monthly, significantly undercutting the Vermont average of $1,117. This advantage is paired with Vermont's best rent-to-income ratio, making it a standout choice for renters seeking affordability.
Clear rental advantage over rural peers
Orleans County's $897 monthly rent is $220 cheaper than Orange County and $68 below Rutland County, the state's other rural alternatives. Even when comparing to Washington County—the priciest option—Orleans saves renters $197 per month, or nearly $2,400 annually.
Rent and income work in your favor
With a median household income of $66,426 and median rent of $897, Orleans households allocate just 16.2% to rent—well below the strain threshold. Homeowners pay $1,140 monthly, which adds up to roughly 20% of income, still manageable for owner-occupants.
The affordability champion for Vermont movers
Orleans County is the place to move if cost of living is your primary concern; you'll find Vermont's cheapest rents without sacrificing community or outdoor recreation. It's especially ideal for remote workers or retirees whose income isn't tied to local job markets.
Orleans County's median household income of $66,426 falls $8,329 short of the national median of $74,755. This places Orleans in the lower-middle range nationally, with earning power trailing the typical American household.
Fifth of six Vermont counties by income
Orleans County ranks fifth among Vermont's counties, earning $8,617 below the state average of $75,043. Only Rutland County earns less statewide, indicating Orleans faces steeper economic challenges than most of its neighbors.
Lowest earners in northeastern Vermont
Orleans County households earn $66,426, trailing the state median and falling $13,427 behind Washington County, the highest-earning county in the state. This income gap reflects Orleans's more limited job market and smaller employment base.
Tight but manageable housing costs
Orleans County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is the healthiest in the state, indicating housing is relatively affordable here. The median home value of $213,300 is among Vermont's lowest, making homeownership more attainable for median earners.
Strategic saving matters more here
With below-average income, Orleans residents benefit most from deliberate financial planning and consistent saving habits. Even modest investments in retirement accounts and emergency funds can build meaningful wealth over time.
At 76.2 years, Orleans County life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years only marginally, but 15.3% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national 17.3% benchmark, indicating serious population-level wellness challenges. This gap suggests that chronic disease and preventive care are critical concerns for the county.
Vermont's biggest health disparities show here
Orleans County's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks among Vermont's lowest, falling 2 full years short of the state average of 78.2 years. The county's 15.3% poor/fair health rate is the highest among Vermont's six major counties, signaling urgent need for targeted health interventions.
Trailing peers by significant margins
Orleans County's life expectancy of 76.2 years lags neighbors like Washington (79.0) and Windham (78.6) by 2.8 to 2.4 years respectively. With only 73 primary care providers per 100K residents, the county faces provider capacity constraints compared to better-resourced neighbors.
At 5.3% uninsured, Orleans County exceeds Vermont's state average of 5.1%, while 73 primary care providers per 100K struggle to meet demand across rural communities. Mental health support is available from 320 providers per 100K, but this remains notably lower than state leaders like Windham (842 per 100K).
Explore coverage options in your community
If you're among Orleans County's uninsured residents, affordable plans may be closer than you think. Contact Vermont's Health Care Access Project or visit healthcare.gov to find coverage that fits your budget and connects you with the 73 primary care providers serving your county.
Orleans County's composite risk score of 36.83 and "Very Low" rating indicate manageable disaster exposure compared to national averages. This northeastern Vermont county faces moderate hurricane risk but maintains well-below-average exposure to tornadoes and wildfires.
Second-safest county in Vermont
Orleans County's 36.83 score ranks it just above Orange County as Vermont's second-most protected county, slightly edging the state average of 36.44. The county's position reflects its relatively sheltered geography from the state's most consequential hazard types.
Safer than most regional peers
Orleans County's risk profile outperforms Washington County (52.23), Windsor County (61.58), and Windham County (56.93) by significant margins. Only Orange County (26.43) presents lower overall risk, making Orleans one of the state's most secure locations for disaster preparedness.
Flooding and hurricane season priorities
Flood risk (60.69) and hurricane risk (67.25) represent Orleans County's leading natural disaster threats. Earthquake risk registers at 46.69, while tornado and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 11.10 and 18.89 respectively.
Flood and wind coverage essential
Residents should prioritize flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage given Orleans County's elevated hurricane and flood exposure. Standard policies often exclude flood damage, making a separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy or private alternative critical for properties near waterways or in flood zones.