Homesteading in Vermont

VT · Pop. 645,570 · Capital: Montpelier

Vermont embodies homesteading spirit with deep agricultural tradition and vibrant local food culture. The strong community, property freedoms, and maple heritage appeal to committed homesteaders despite challenges.

Income Tax: 8.75%

$/Acre: $7,500

Growing Season: 90-130 days

Rainfall: 40-56"

USDA Zones: 2b-4b

Rural Safety: 9/10

Explore Vermont Counties

14 counties · Click to select up to 5 for comparison

Top Counties for Homesteading in Vermont

All 14 Counties in Vermont

Detailed Data

Taxes & Cost of Living

Income Tax8.75% (Graduated)

Sales Tax (state)6%

Sales Tax (combined)6%

Effective Property Tax2.1%

Homestead Exemption$0

Ag Tax ExemptionYes

Cost of Living Index117

Median Income$79,990

Poverty Rate10%

Land & Building

Avg Farm $/Acre$7,500

Avg Cropland $/Acre$8,500

Avg Pastureland $/Acre$4,500

Farms for Sale126

Statewide Building CodeYes (Statewide)

International Building Code adopted with amendments; frost line deep

Tiny Home LegalPermitted with local approval; ADU-friendly policies

Climate & Growing

USDA Zones2b-4b

Growing Season90-130 frost-free days

Annual Rainfall40-56 inches

Avg Summer High79°F

Avg Winter Low18°F

Soil Quality6/10

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10

Wildfire3/10

Tornado1/10

Flood3/10

Hurricane2/10

What You Can Grow

Maple syrup, apples, dairy, cool-season vegetables, berries, hay

Water & Energy

Water RightsRiparian

Rainwater HarvestingPermitted

Rainwater IncentivesNone

Solar (Avg PSH)3.7

Solar (Summer)4.9

Solar (Winter)2.4

Wind Potential7/10

Net MeteringYes

Laws & Freedom

Homeschool RegulationHigh

Notification RequiredNo

Testing RequiredNo

Homeschool ESANo

Gun-Friendliness7/10

Carry TypeConstitutional carry

Right-to-FarmVery strong

Cottage FoodPermitted foods: jams, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, certain dairy

Raw MilkPermitted for raw milk operations with licensing

CannabisLegal - recreational and medical

Off-Grid LegalYes

Safety & Healthcare

Violent Crime /100K155

Property Crime /100K1345

Rural Safety Rating9/10

Well below national average; very safe state

Rural Hospitals20

Closures Since 20101

Hospital Vulnerability28%

Demographics & Community

Population645,570

Pop. Density68 /sq mi

Population Growth0.8%

% Rural68%

Median Age42.8

Racial Composition

White

92.5%

Black

1.5%

Hispanic

2.3%

Native American

0.3%

Asian

1.8%

Multiracial

1.6%

Homesteading Community8/10

Broadband Coverage82%

Starlink AvailableYes

Business & Employment

Tax Foundation Rank#44

LLC Cost$125/yr

Corporate Tax8.5%

Unemployment3.1%

Top IndustriesAgriculture, Forestry, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Political Landscape

Political LeanDemocratic

Conservative %22%

Best Areas for Homesteading in Vermont

Addison County

Western Champlain Valley with flattest terrain

$7,000-9,500/acre

Lamoille County

North-central with mountain character

$6,500-8,500/acre

Orleans County

Northern region with lower costs

$5,500-7,500/acre

Explore Vermont Resources

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LandWatch

Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.

Browse Land Listings

Lands of America

The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.

Search Rural Properties

AcreTrader

Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.

Explore Farmland Investments

Vermont homesteading FAQ

Is it legal to live off-grid in Vermont?

Off-grid living is generally legal in Vermont — No statewide prohibition; building codes apply; deep frost line consideration Local zoning and building codes still apply, so confirm the specifics with your county.

Does Vermont have a state income tax?

Yes — Vermont levies a state income tax, with a top rate of about 8.75%.

How much does farmland cost in Vermont?

Farm real estate in Vermont averages about $7,500 per acre (USDA). Prices vary widely by region within the state.

How long is the growing season in Vermont?

Vermont's growing season runs up to roughly 130 frost-free days, across USDA hardiness zones 2b-4b.

What is the property tax rate in Vermont?

Vermont's effective property-tax rate is about 2.1% of value — an annual cost on land and improvements that compounds over time.

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Vermont?

Rainwater harvesting in Vermont: Permitted.

Can you buy or sell raw milk in Vermont?

Raw-milk access in Vermont: Permitted for raw milk operations with licensing.

Data verified June 2026. Figures are sourced from public datasets; see our methodology.