countyscore
43
County Score
Health 77.8Soil Quality 66.9Disaster Risk 63.2

County Report Card

About Orleans County, Vermont

Below the National Benchmark for Livability

Orleans County carries a composite score of 43.0, falling behind the national median score of 50.0. This suggests it faces more developmental hurdles than the average U.S. county.

Aligning Closely with Vermont’s Average

The county's score of 43.0 sits just below the Vermont state average of 44.6. It represents a typical regional experience for Northern Vermont residents.

Resilient Environment and Strong Health Outlook

Residents enjoy a high Health Score of 77.8 and a respectable Risk Score of 63.2, showing lower vulnerability to natural disasters. Rent is relatively affordable compared to neighbors, with a median gross rent of $897.

Fiscal Burdens and Limited School Resources

The Tax Score of 7.7 reflects a heavy property tax burden, while the School Score of 48.0 indicates room for educational investment. Safety also lags behind with a score of 40.6.

Best for Budget-Minded Nature Lovers

Orleans County suits individuals who value a lower cost of entry and environmental resilience. It is an accessible option for those who don't mind a trade-off in school performance and local safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax7.7Cost31.9Safety40.6Health77.8Schools48Income58Risk63.2Water50.9Weather50.4
🏛7.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Orleans County?

Many homeowners in Orleans County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Orleans County with Calaveras County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
Median income: $79,877
43
Santa Barbara County
California
Median income: $95,977
43
Montrose County
Colorado
Median income: $66,072
43
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
Median income: $92,859
43
Dakota County
Minnesota
Median income: $105,212
43
Phelps County
Missouri
Median income: $55,427
43
Columbia County
Oregon
Median income: $86,359
43
Bennett County
South Dakota
Median income: $44,569
43

Nearby counties

Essex County
Vermont
55.7
Lamoille County
Vermont
47.7
Caledonia County
Vermont
41.9
Franklin County
Vermont
44
Coos County
New Hampshire
41.2
Washington County
Vermont
41.7
Chittenden County
Vermont
36.9
Grand Isle County
Vermont
59

Deep Dives

Orleans County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Orleans County

via TaxByCounty

Orleans County taxes rank high nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orleans County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orleans County

via IncomeByCounty

Orleans earns below the national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orleans County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Levels Better Than National Average

Orleans County earns a safety score of 97.9, outperforming many regions across the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,351.2 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Slightly Above the Vermont Safety Average

The county’s safety profile of 97.9 sits just above the state average of 97.8. Three local reporting agencies provide the data that keeps Orleans competitive within the state's safety rankings.

Competitive Safety Profile in the Region

Orleans County reports 1,351.2 crimes per 100,000 people, which is slightly lower than Washington County's 1,422.1. However, it sees higher activity than the exceptionally quiet Orange County to the south.

Violent Crimes Above State Average

The violent crime rate is 353.3 per 100,000, which is higher than the state average of 187.0. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 997.9 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Local Property Security

Since property crime is nearly three times more frequent than violent crime, home security remains a practical priority. Modern alarm systems can deter theft and help keep the county's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Orleans County

via HealthByCounty

Orleans County faces significant health headwinds

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.

Limited providers, rising uninsured rates challenge access

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Orleans County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad School Coverage in the North

Orleans County maintains 20 public schools serving 3,834 students across 13 school districts. The infrastructure is primarily elementary-focused, with 15 primary schools and 3 high schools serving the community.

Investing in Student Success

The county spends $10,608 per pupil, which is close to the Vermont state average but below the $13,000 national benchmark. Currently, the graduation rate stands at 75.4%, prompting local efforts to improve outcomes compared to state levels.

Major Districts and Enrollment Leaders

The Lake Region Union Elementary Middle School District is the largest by school count, managing 6 schools. North Country Union High School is the county's largest single campus, educating 681 students on its own.

Quiet Campuses and Rural Locales

Education here is overwhelmingly rural, with 17 schools situated in countryside settings and 3 in small towns. Schools average 202 students, providing a quiet atmosphere where students rarely feel lost in the crowd.

Your Future Home in Orleans

If you value small school sizes and rural surroundings, Orleans County offers a unique lifestyle for families. Search for homes near top-rated elementary schools to give your children a peaceful start.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orleans County

via RiskByCounty

Orleans County sits below national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orleans County

via WeatherByCounty

A Truly Cold Northern Climate

Orleans County averages just 41.0°F annually, making it one of the coldest regions in the United States. This is roughly 13 degrees colder than the national median temperature. Its position along the Canadian border ensures a prolonged and rigorous winter season.

One of Vermont's Coldest Counties

At 41.0°F, Orleans County is significantly colder than the Vermont state average of 43.6°F. It receives 43.8 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with the state average of 44.2 inches. The county represents the true 'North Country' climate of Vermont.

Colder than Central Vermont Neighbors

Orleans County is substantially chillier than Washington County to its south, which averages 43.2°F. It averages nearly 2.6 degrees colder annually than the state as a whole. This temperature gap is most pronounced during the winter months in this high-latitude region.

Frigid Winters and Brief Summers

January is exceptionally cold here with an average temperature of 13.8°F. The county receives nearly 99 inches of snow annually, while summer heat is rare with only 2 days hitting 90°F. July averages a comfortable 66.0°F, providing a brief window of mild weather.

Prepare for Extreme Winter Conditions

Homeowners must invest in robust insulation and winter-proofed plumbing to withstand January lows. Reliable four-wheel drive and heavy-duty snow gear are necessary for the nearly 100 inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is so rare that central air conditioning is often considered optional.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orleans County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Northern Soils

Orleans County has an average pH of 4.53, which is far more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This intense acidity is a hallmark of the northern Vermont landscape and influences nutrient availability. Local growers must manage this sharp chemistry to maintain productive pastures and gardens.

Low Clay for Easy Digging

The soil composition is 37.9% sand and 23.4% silt, providing a medium that is generally easy to cultivate. A very low clay content of 4.0% means the soil rarely becomes sticky or heavy when wet. This mix favors aeration and root penetration for most native plant species.

Incredible Organic Richness

The county boasts an organic matter content of 43.28%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 29.01%. This richness drives a high available water capacity of 0.284 in/in, which is well above the state average. This combination provides a fertile, moisture-rich foundation for local agriculture.

Natural Sponges in the Landscape

While official drainage and hydrologic data are limited, the massive organic matter content likely acts as a natural sponge. This helps the soil manage heavy rainfall despite the low clay fraction that usually aids in structural stability. These soils are excellent for carbon sequestration and forest health.

Success in Hardiness Zone 4b

As a zone 4b region, Orleans County requires crops that can handle a shorter, cooler growing season. Leafy greens, brassicas, and cold-tolerant berries are excellent choices for this fertile, organic soil. With a high soil score of 66.9, your garden is set up for success if you choose the right varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orleans County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing in Vermont’s Coldest Zone

Orleans County has a lawn difficulty score of 47.0, making it harder to maintain than the state average of 51.4. As a Hardiness Zone 4b county, it faces some of the harshest winter conditions for turf in the region.

Short Seasons and Moderate Moisture

A low 1,723 growing degree days indicates a shorter window for grass development compared to southern neighbors. However, 43.8 inches of annual rain and only 2 extreme heat days help prevent the turf from scorching in the summer.

Extremely Acidic Soil Challenges

With a pH of 4.53, the soil here is very acidic and requires consistent amendments to help grass absorb essential nutrients. The low clay content of 4.0% means the soil lacks the natural structure to hold onto those nutrients effectively.

Universal Dryness Across the County

Currently, 100% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, following 30 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to help the soil retain what little moisture it has.

Hardy Species for Late Springs

Focus on cold-hardy Fine Fescue blends that can handle the Zone 4b winters. You should wait until after the late spring frost on May 14th to begin any major seeding or renovation projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orleans County's county score?
Orleans County, Vermont has a composite county score of 43 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 Orleans County rank among counties in Vermont?
Orleans County ranks #7 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 Orleans County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Orleans County is $3,579, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Orleans County a tax score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orleans County?
The median household income in Orleans County, Vermont is $66,426 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orleans County earns an income score of 58/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orleans County, Vermont a good place to live?
Orleans County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Orleans 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 Orleans County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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