Bennington County
VT · Pop. 37,312 · Suburban County
Bennington County sits in Vermont across 674 square miles, home to 37,312 people at 55.4 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, gourds. A median home price of $257,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.71% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 130-day growing season, average summer highs of 77°F and average winter lows of 12.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 47.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Southwestern Vt Medical Center is 12.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 47.3 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 11.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 130-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.71% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 12.6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Bennington County, VT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $257k
- Property tax
- 1.71%
- Growing season
- 130 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 47.3"
- Broadband
- 97.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Southwestern Vt Medical Center, 12.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Bennington County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Bennington County?
- Bennington County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 130-day growing season, average summer highs of 77°F, and average winter lows of 12.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, gourds.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $257,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.71%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Southwestern Vt Medical Center is 12.1 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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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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