countyscore
42.5
County Score
Health 90.5Income & Jobs 77.7Soil Quality 66.7

County Report Card

About Windsor County, Vermont

Sitting Below the National Composite Median

Windsor County earns a 42.5 composite score, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. It faces challenges common to high-tax, rural Northeastern counties.

Meeting the Vermont Quality of Life

The score of 42.5 is very close to the state average of 44.6. It offers a quintessential Vermont profile with strong health and income metrics.

Strong Health and Solid Earning Power

A Health Score of 90.5 and an Income Score of 77.7 are major highlights for the county. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $75,247.

High Tax Burdens Affect Affordability

The Tax Score is a low 3.5, the most severe in this group, due to an effective tax rate of 1.975%. Environmental risks also impact the composite with a Risk Score of 38.4.

Best for High-Income Health Conscious Households

Windsor County is a great match for professionals who value wellness and can afford the state's highest tax burdens. Its strong income profile makes it a viable choice despite fiscal pressures.

204060801003.517.943.390.553.877.738.437.949.8Tax3.5Cost17.9Safety43.3Health90.5Schools53.8Income77.7Risk38.4Water37.9Weather49.842.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Windsor County DNA

Foverall

How Windsor County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Windsor County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (90.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.5-48.5
Cost
17.9-30.1
Safety
43.3-11.700000000000003
Health
90.5+40.5
Schools
53.8
Income
77.7+26.700000000000003
Risk
38.4-8.600000000000001
Water
37.9-20.1
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Windsor County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$267,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,089/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$267,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,247/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.2

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

Rutland County
Vermont
36.3
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
42.8
Orange County
Vermont
53.3
Addison County
Vermont
53.8
Windham County
Vermont
35
Washington County
New York
50.2
Bennington County
Vermont
33.9
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5

Deep Dives

Windsor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Windsor County

via TaxByCounty

Windsor County has Vermont's highest tax rate

Windsor County's 1.975% effective tax rate is nearly three times the national median of 0.76%, ranking it among the most heavily taxed counties in America. The median annual tax of $5,282 is nearly double the national median of $2,690, driven by both the county's highest-in-state rate and above-average home values of $267,400.

Windsor leads all Vermont counties

Windsor County has the highest effective tax rate in Vermont at 1.975%, exceeding the state average of 1.718% by a notable 0.257 percentage points. Its median tax bill of $5,282 ranks among the state's highest, making it the priciest place to own property in Vermont.

Windsor outpaces all regional peers

Windsor County's 1.975% rate substantially exceeds all neighbors: Orange County (1.753%), Washington County (1.868%), Rutland County (1.858%), and Windham County (1.874%). No other Vermont county comes close to Windsor's tax burden.

Windsor homeowners pay $5,282 yearly

On a median home value of $267,400, Windsor County residents pay approximately $5,282 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $440 per month—the highest median tax payment in Vermont.

High taxes make appeals especially valuable

Windsor County homeowners facing the state's heaviest tax burden should carefully review their property assessments for accuracy. Given Windsor's elevated rates, even modest reductions from successful appeals can yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Windsor County

via CostByCounty

Windsor County just below national comfort zone

Windsor County renters spend 17.4% of income on housing, running slightly below the national median and Vermont's 17.8% state average. With a median household income of $75,247—marginally above the national figure of $74,755—residents enjoy near-national-average financial stability.

Solid middle ground in Vermont

Windsor County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in the healthy middle tier of Vermont counties, neither strained nor exceptionally affordable. It ranks as one of the more balanced options for renters seeking reliability without dramatic cost-of-living surprises.

Competitive pricing in central Vermont

Windsor's $1,089 median rent is $28 above state average and $192 more expensive than Orleans County's bargain rents. However, homeowners pay $1,285 monthly—lower than Washington County's $1,470 but higher than Orleans County's $1,140, reflecting its position as a central-Vermont hub.

Well-balanced housing-to-income ratio

Renters allocate $1,089 monthly from a $75,247 income, while homeowners carry $1,285 in costs, representing roughly 17–20% of household earnings. This leaves Windsor County households with solid discretionary income and financial resilience.

A reliable choice for Vermont newcomers

Windsor County offers genuine New England character and balanced affordability; it's ideal for those seeking Vermont's appeal without the price tags of Washington County or the affordability stretch of Windham. Consider it if you want walkable town centers, good schools, and genuine financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Windsor County

via IncomeByCounty

Windsor outearns the national median

Windsor County's median household income of $75,247 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $492, placing the county just above the American average. This positions Windsor among the stronger-earning regions nationally.

Second-highest earners in Vermont

Windsor County ranks second among Vermont's six counties with a median income $232 above the state average of $75,043. Only Washington County earns more, and Windsor's per capita income of $47,344 is the state's second-highest.

Outearns most Vermont counties except Washington

Windsor County households earn $75,247, topping Orange at $77,328 by only $2,081, and significantly outpacing Windham at $68,021 by $7,226. This strong performance reflects Windsor's diverse economy and reliable job market.

Manageable housing with stable incomes

Windsor's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is well within the affordable range, and the median home value of $267,400 is accessible for median earners. Strong incomes support both rental and ownership pathways here.

Windsor residents can maximize long-term gains

With above-average incomes and reasonable housing costs, Windsor County households have surplus income to direct toward investments, education savings, and retirement accounts. Diversified financial strategies—including real estate and stock market investing—offer strong wealth-building potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Windsor County

via CrimeByCounty

Outperforming National Safety Benchmarks

Windsor County is notably safe, with a safety score of 98.0 and a total crime rate of 1,277.8 per 100,000. This crime rate is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Vermont Average Score

With a score of 98.0, Windsor County is safer than the average Vermont county (97.8). Eleven reporting agencies work across the county to maintain this high level of public security.

A Safer Alternative to Major Neighbors

Windsor County is significantly safer than Rutland (2,502.2) and Windham (2,481.7). Residents here face about half the crime risk of those in the adjacent southern and western counties.

Low Violent Crime Across the County

The violent crime rate is 179.8 per 100,000, which is even lower than the Vermont state average. Property crime stands at 1,098.0, making it the most common, yet still infrequent, type of offense.

Securing Your Windsor County Home

Maintaining the county's safety starts at home with basic theft prevention. Secure your property with reliable locks and lighting to keep Windsor County one of the safest places in Vermont.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Windsor County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast and Varied School System

Windsor County features 32 public schools, the highest count in the region, serving 6,821 students. These schools are spread across 13 districts, offering a comprehensive range from elementary to high school levels.

Strong Investment and Academic Stability

The county invests $12,270 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the Vermont state average. This funding supports a graduation rate of 81.1% and a respectable composite school score of 60.2.

Hartford and Windsor Central Districts

The Hartford School District and Windsor Central Unified Union manage the bulk of the population, with Hartford alone serving 1,459 students. Traditional public schools remain the standard here, as no charter schools are currently in operation.

Rural Roots with Town Connections

Schools in Windsor County average 227 students, providing a balance of social opportunity and small-group learning. While 23 schools are rural, 9 serve town centers, including the 580-student Windsor School.

Move to a Great School District

Windsor County’s high per-pupil spending and steady graduation rates make it a smart choice for growing families. Explore available properties to find your place in one of these well-funded school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Windsor County

via RiskByCounty

Windsor County's significant disaster exposure

Windsor County's composite risk score of 61.58 and "Relatively Low" rating substantially exceed the national average, indicating the county faces notable disaster risks across multiple hazard categories. Eastern Vermont's geography and storm exposure create particular vulnerability to flooding and wind events.

Highest-risk county in Vermont

Windsor County's 61.58 score ranks it 69% above Vermont's state average of 36.44, making it the most hazard-exposed county in the state. This southeastern location concentrates risks from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes above all neighboring counties.

Significantly riskier than all peers

Windsor County faces substantially higher composite risk than every other Vermont county: Orange (26.43), Orleans (36.83), Rutland (50.48), Washington (52.23), and Windham (56.93). This clear separation makes Windsor Connecticut River valley's most disaster-vulnerable region.

Flooding and hurricanes create urgent threats

Flood risk (76.72) and hurricane risk (72.97) represent Windsor County's two defining disaster threats, with tornado risk (30.09) and wildfire risk (26.94) contributing additional significant exposure. The county's river valleys and exposed elevation zones create compounded vulnerability to water and wind events.

Maximum insurance coverage recommended

Windsor County residents face the state's highest disaster risk and should prioritize comprehensive flood insurance, robust wind coverage, and earthquake protection with minimal gaps. Professional structural assessments, flood-resistant construction measures, and regular emergency preparedness planning are critical investments given the county's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Windsor County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Grade F Despite Lower Violation Rates

Windsor County receives a Water Quality Grade of F due to 17 health violations over the last five years. However, its violation rate of 37.6 per 100,000 is lower than the statewide average of 43.2.

No Federal Watershed Data Available

Water bodies in Windsor County are not yet covered by the EPA §303(d) assessment program. No data regarding impaired water percentages exists in the current ATTAINS reporting cycle.

Over 10,000 Measurements Logged Locally

Technicians maintain 142 monitoring sites, collecting 10,636 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical water quality, nutrients, and inorganic materials.

White River Maintaining Steady Seasonal Flow

The White River at West Hartford is currently discharging 1,320 cfs. This represents 106% of the long-term mean, showing that the river is flowing at nearly typical seasonal levels.

Consistent Testing for Public and Private Supplies

While Windsor County performs better than the state average for violation rates, its F grade indicates recurring safety issues. Residents should follow standard testing protocols and stay informed of local water system compliance alerts.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Windsor County

via WeatherByCounty

The Mildest of the Vermont Group

Windsor County averages 44.9°F annually, making it the warmest of the Vermont counties surveyed. This is still about 9 degrees cooler than the national median, but it represents a more moderate New England climate. It experiences the most frequent summer heat peaks in the state.

Warmer than the Typical Vermont County

Windsor's annual average of 44.9°F sits well above the Vermont state average of 43.6°F. Its annual precipitation of 44.9 inches is almost exactly in line with the statewide average of 44.2 inches. This makes it a benchmark for a slightly warmer-than-average Vermont experience.

Warmer than Central and Northern Neighbors

Windsor County is roughly 2.3 degrees warmer annually than Orange County to its north. It also experiences significantly less snow than its southern neighbor, Windham, recording 82.6 inches compared to Windham's 130.2 inches. This makes it one of the more accessible counties in the region.

Warmer Summers and Moderate Snowfall

July is warm with an average of 69.0°F and a group-leading 7 days of extreme heat over 90°F. January averages a relatively mild 19.1°F, and the county sees 82.6 inches of snow annually. The winter average stays slightly higher than neighbors at 22.1°F.

Invest in Both Heating and Cooling

With 7 days of extreme heat per year, Windsor residents are the most likely to benefit from installing air conditioning. Winter still requires preparation for over 82 inches of snow, though the higher average temperatures may lead to more ice events. Flexible HVAC systems like heat pumps are well-suited for this broader temperature range.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Windsor County

via SoilByCounty

Sharp Acidity in the Valley

Windsor County has an average pH of 4.38, making it the most acidic in this region and far below the 6.5 national median. This low pH level is a primary factor in local soil management and crop selection. Acid-loving plants will feel right at home in this environment.

Light and Airy Soil Structure

The soil contains 43.1% sand and 26.5% silt, creating a light, airy structure that resists compaction. With only 5.1% clay, the soil offers excellent aeration for root systems. This composition is perfect for crops that prefer well-drained, loose earth.

Abundant Organic Matter Resources

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 44.15%, significantly beating the state average of 29.01%. This supports a strong water capacity of 0.282 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.235 in/in. This soil acts as a powerful reservoir for both carbon and moisture.

Sponge-Like Moisture Retention

Although specific hydrologic data is not available, the massive organic content likely dictates how water moves through the soil. This high level of organic material helps the sandy soil hold onto water longer than it would otherwise. It provides a stable moisture level that is ideal for farming and forestry.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, Windsor County is prime territory for New England staples like pumpkins, squash, and apples. The soil score of 66.7 is among the highest in the state, reflecting its great potential. With such high organic matter, your garden will have a natural boost in fertility from the start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Windsor County

via LawnByCounty

Working Through Windsor's Lawn Hurdles

Windsor County's lawn difficulty score of 44.8 is lower than both the state and national averages. Residents in this Zone 5a area must manage more extreme temperature swings and soil acidity than many other Vermont counties.

The State’s Highest Heat Totals

With 7 extreme heat days annually, this county is the warmest in the group, putting additional stress on cool-season grasses. The 2,148 growing degree days provide a long season for growth, but the 44.9 inches of rain must be managed carefully to avoid evaporation loss.

Highest Soil Acidity in the Region

At a pH of 4.38, Windsor County has the most acidic soil of the group, making lime treatments mandatory for lawn health. The soil is 43.1% sand and only 5.1% clay, which means it struggles to retain moisture during the hotter summer weeks.

Severe Drought Risks are Present

While 85.6% of the county is abnormally dry, a small portion (0.3%) has reached severe drought levels. Lawns have faced 35 weeks of drought over the last year, making water conservation and smart irrigation essential for survival.

Seeding for Success in Windsor

Grass thrives when seeded after the last frost on May 13th, provided you address the high soil acidity first. The growing season lasts until October 2nd, giving you a solid window to establish a hardy lawn before the first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windsor County's county score?
Windsor County, Vermont has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Windsor County rank among counties in Vermont?
Windsor County ranks #8 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 Windsor County, Vermont?
The median annual property tax in Windsor County is $5,282, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Windsor County a tax score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Windsor County?
The median household income in Windsor County, Vermont is $75,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Windsor County earns an income score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Windsor County, Vermont a good place to live?
Windsor County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Vermont. The best way to evaluate Windsor 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 Windsor County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.