Windham County

Vermont · VT

#12 in Vermont
61.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Windham County, Vermont

Windham County exceeds national livability bar

Windham County's composite score of 61.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by more than 11 points, ranking it among stronger-performing U.S. counties. This reflects competitive strengths in housing affordability and health infrastructure.

Fifth in Vermont, below average

Windham County ranks fifth among Vermont's six measured counties at 61.3, sitting 2.7 points below the state average of 64.0. It trails the leading counties but remains solidly above national benchmarks.

Health and reasonable housing costs

Windham County's health score of 80.6 is among the strongest statewide, indicating good access to medical care and health outcomes. Its cost score of 68.4 and median home value of $265,100 position housing affordability as a relative advantage compared to neighboring counties.

Income and risk resilience constrain livability

Windham County's income score of 27.8 with median household income of $68,021 ranks among the lowest statewide, limiting economic mobility. Its risk score of 43.1 is the lowest among all six counties, signaling heightened vulnerability to environmental or economic shocks.

A cautious choice for stable-income seekers

Windham County works best for retirees, remote workers, and those with secure outside income seeking adequate healthcare and moderate housing costs. However, its low risk resilience and modest wage environment suggest it's less suitable for families dependent on local job growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax49.6Cost68.4SafetyComing SoonHealth80.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.8Risk43.1WaterComing Soon
🏛49.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠68.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
80.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
43.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Windham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Windham County

via TaxByCounty

Windham County taxes rank near highest

Windham County's 1.874% effective tax rate is more than double the national median of 0.76%, placing it among America's highest-tax counties. The median annual property tax of $4,968 surpasses the national median by 85%, driven by Vermont's school-funding model and above-average home values of $265,100.

Windham ranks second highest in Vermont

Windham County's 1.874% effective rate is the second-highest among Vermont's 14 counties, trailing only Windsor County's 1.975%. The county's median tax of $4,968 is well above the state median of $4,648, reflecting its elevated rate and solid home values.

Windham tops most regional competitors

Windham County's 1.874% rate exceeds Orange County (1.753%), Rutland County (1.858%), and Washington County (1.868%), losing out only to Windsor County (1.975%) in southeastern Vermont. This makes Windham one of the pricier tax jurisdictions in the state.

Windham residents pay $4,968 annually

A homeowner with a median-value property of $265,100 in Windham County pays approximately $4,968 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $414 per month—the second-highest median tax bill in Vermont.

Consider appealing your assessment

Windham County homeowners paying premium property taxes should confirm their assessments reflect current market values, not inflated historical valuations. Successful tax appeals have saved many Windham residents hundreds of dollars annually in reduced property tax bills.

Cost of Living in Windham County

via CostByCounty

Windham County stretches household budgets

Windham County residents spend 18.6% of income on rent—the state's highest ratio and above the national affordability standard of roughly 17%. With a median household income of $68,021, which trails the national median by $6,700, renters here face tighter affordability than most Americans.

The state's most strained housing market

Windham County has Vermont's highest rent-to-income ratio at 18.6%, signaling that renters dedicate more of their earnings to housing than peers anywhere else in the state. It's a cautionary tale: even in affordable Vermont, certain pockets demand careful financial planning.

Priced like urban markets, with rural incomes

Windham's $1,056 median rent exceeds the state average by $61 and trails only Washington County's $1,094. Yet with median incomes below state average, Windham residents pay urban-tier rents on smaller paychecks than peers in Washington or Orange counties.

Housing dominates the household budget

Renters spend $1,056 monthly on a $68,021 income, while homeowners carry $1,370 in costs—together representing roughly 19–24% of household earnings, the tightest ratio in Vermont. Residents have limited financial cushion for other priorities or emergencies.

Move carefully; budget tightly

Windham County offers scenic charm and community, but its high rent-to-income ratio means you should move here only if you have secure income or substantial savings. It's better suited to remote workers with six-figure salaries or retirees with fixed assets than to wage-dependent families.

Income & Jobs in Windham County

via IncomeByCounty

Windham falls short of national income median

Windham County's median household income of $68,021 is $6,734 below the national median of $74,755. While not among the lowest nationally, Windham earns less than the typical American household, placing it in the lower-middle income tier.

Fourth of six Vermont counties by income

Windham County ranks fourth among Vermont's counties, earning $7,022 below the state average of $75,043. This mid-range position places Windham squarely in the state's lower-income half, below Orange, Washington, and Windsor.

Trails Orange and Windsor by notable margins

Windham County households earn $68,021 compared to $77,328 in Orange and $75,247 in Windsor—income gaps of $9,307 and $7,226 respectively. This puts Windham among the state's lower-earning regions despite being in southern Vermont.

Highest rent burden in the state

At 18.6% of household income, Windham County has Vermont's highest rent-to-income ratio, signaling housing affordability pressure. The median home value of $265,100 strains budgets for households earning just above $68,000.

Housing-conscious planning opens wealth-building doors

Windham residents should explore first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance, which can help overcome affordability barriers. Prioritizing high-yield savings accounts and employer retirement benefits becomes critical given the tight housing-to-income ratio.

Health in Windham County

via HealthByCounty

Windham County extends life expectancy nationwide

At 78.6 years, Windham County residents live 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, positioning the county among America's healthiest communities. With 12.7% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national 17.3%—the county demonstrates strong overall wellness management.

Vermont's wellness leader by mental health access

Windham County's 78.6-year life expectancy tops Vermont's state average of 78.2 years, while its 842 mental health providers per 100K is the highest in the state by a significant margin. This exceptional behavioral health capacity positions Windham as the state's mental wellness hub.

Competitive life expectancy, dominant mental health

Windham County's 78.6-year life expectancy ranks second after Orange (79.1), while its 842 mental health providers per 100K dwarfs neighboring counties—Orleans has 320, Rutland 390, and Windsor 596. This makes Windham the clear leader in behavioral health access across the region.

Good coverage access with strong mental health support

Windham County's 5.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Vermont's 5.1% average, while 89 primary care providers per 100K deliver routine medical care. The county's exceptional 842 mental health providers per 100K ensure residents facing mental health or substance use challenges can access treatment.

Connect with Windham's health resources

Windham County residents have access to the state's best mental health provider network—842 per 100K—but it matters only if you're covered. Check your insurance status at healthcare.gov and connect with Vermont's Health Care Access Project if you need help finding affordable coverage.

Disaster Risk in Windham County

via RiskByCounty

Windham County faces elevated disaster risk

Windham County's composite risk score of 56.93 and "Relatively Low" rating exceed the national average substantially, reflecting significant exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's southern Vermont location subjects it to heightened hurricane and tornado risks.

Second-riskiest county in Vermont

Windham County's 56.93 score ranks it 56% above Vermont's state average of 36.44, making it the second-most hazardous county statewide. Only Windsor County (61.58) carries higher composite disaster risk in the state.

Riskier than most Vermont peers

Windham County's risk substantially exceeds Orange (26.43), Orleans (36.83), Rutland (50.48), and Washington (52.23) counties. Only Windsor County's 61.58 score surpasses Windham's exposure, making southern Vermont the state's highest-risk region.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes dominate

Hurricane risk (74.55) and flood risk (71.28) represent Windham County's twin most serious threats, with tornado risk (40.01) emerging as a significant third concern. The county's southern exposure makes it particularly vulnerable to tropical storm systems and spring severe weather patterns.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance essential

Windham County residents need robust flood insurance, comprehensive hurricane coverage, and tornado-aware structural reinforcements to address the county's elevated risk portfolio. A professional home risk assessment, roof reinforcement, and safe room construction should be priority investments for disaster resilience.

ByCounty Network

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