Orange County
VT · Pop. 29,594 · Suburban County
Orange County is a suburban county in Vermont, spanning 687 square miles with 29,594 residents at a density of 43.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on haylage, hay, corn. A median home price of $251,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.75% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 135-day growing season, average summer highs of 74.3°F and average winter lows of 6.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Gifford Memorial Hospital is 15.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 42.3 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 9.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 135-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.75% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 6.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Orange County, VT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $251k
- Property tax
- 1.75%
- Growing season
- 135 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.3"
- Broadband
- 88.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Gifford Memorial Hospital, 15.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Orange County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Orange County?
- Orange County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 135-day growing season, average summer highs of 74.3°F, and average winter lows of 6.9°F. The established crops are haylage, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $251,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.75%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Gifford Memorial Hospital is 15.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Vermont Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Vermont
All Vermont countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Orange 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.