Addison County
VT · Pop. 37,497 · Suburban County
Addison County, Vermont covers 766 square miles with a population of 37,497 and a density of 49 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on haylage, hay, corn. The median home price is $334,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.69%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 148-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.4°F and average winter lows of 11.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Porter Hospital is 2.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Porter Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on haylage, hay, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.5% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 41.4 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 7.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 148-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.69% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 11.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Addison County, VT is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $334k
- Property tax
- 1.69%
- Growing season
- 148 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.4"
- Broadband
- 89.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Porter Hospital, 2.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Addison County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Addison County?
- Addison County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 148-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.4°F, and average winter lows of 11.7°F. The established crops are haylage, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $334,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.69%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Porter Hospital is 2.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in Vermont
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The closest counties to Addison County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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