Grand Isle County
VT · Pop. 7,393 · Suburban County
Grand Isle County, Vermont covers 82 square miles with a population of 7,393 and a density of 90.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $364,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.36%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.5°F and average winter lows of 11.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is 10.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 60.8% of homes.
Pros
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.
- A median household income of $90,625 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- A 147-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.36% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- A median home price of $364,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 60.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, is 10.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Grand Isle County, VT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 29/100
- Median home price
- $364k
- Property tax
- 1.36%
- Growing season
- 147 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.7"
- Broadband
- 60.8%
- Nearest hospital
- The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, 10.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Grand Isle County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Grand Isle County?
- Grand Isle County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.5°F, and average winter lows of 11.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $364,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.36%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 60.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is 10.8 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Vermont Resources
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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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