Property Tax in Vermont by County
The typical Vermont homeowner pays $4,956 per year in property taxes, with a median home value of $290,500 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023). This page lists the same figures for each of the state's 14 counties with published Census data. That state median is about 67% higher than the US median of $2,969.
At the top of the Vermont table sits Chittenden County, VT (median $6,527); at the bottom, Essex County, VT (median $2,828). One state, one tax system on paper — but the bills are set locally, county by county and district by district.
Looking across the state, 13 of 14 counties with published data have a median tax bill above the US median of $2,969. The middle county figure in Vermont — the median of the county medians — is $4,771, and county medians range from $2,828 in Essex County to $6,527 in Chittenden County, a spread that shows how local the tax burden is even within one state.
Population and land tell different stories in Vermont: Chittenden County leads on population (168,831), whereas Windsor County leads on land area (969 square miles). Find both in the county table to see how their tax bills compare.
Where people live in Vermont: Chittenden County leads with 168,831 residents (median tax $6,527, median home $404,500), followed by Rutland County (60,484; $4,057 on $218,400) and Washington County (59,958; $5,491 on $293,900).
Vermont counties: median property tax
| County | Median tax paid | Median home value | Derived rate* | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden County, VT | $6,527 | $404,500 | 1.61% | 168,831 |
| Addison County, VT | $5,649 | $333,700 | 1.69% | 37,497 |
| Washington County, VT | $5,491 | $293,900 | 1.87% | 59,958 |
| Windsor County, VT | $5,282 | $267,400 | 1.98% | 57,968 |
| Windham County, VT | $4,968 | $265,100 | 1.87% | 45,913 |
| Grand Isle County, VT | $4,927 | $363,500 | 1.35% | 7,393 |
| Lamoille County, VT | $4,771 | $285,200 | 1.67% | 26,036 |
| Orange County, VT | $4,399 | $251,000 | 1.75% | 29,594 |
| Bennington County, VT | $4,396 | $257,400 | 1.71% | 37,312 |
| Franklin County, VT | $4,244 | $285,500 | 1.49% | 50,379 |
| Rutland County, VT | $4,057 | $218,400 | 1.86% | 60,484 |
| Caledonia County, VT | $3,951 | $215,900 | 1.83% | 30,425 |
| Orleans County, VT | $3,579 | $213,300 | 1.68% | 27,492 |
| Essex County, VT | $2,828 | $167,500 | 1.69% | 5,972 |
*Derived rate = median taxes paid ÷ median home value — an estimate from two survey medians, not an official rate. Counties in bold detail pages are linked; all figures: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023.
How assessment and appeals work in Vermont
Property tax in Vermont is administered locally. As in almost every state, the process starts with an assessment: a local assessor (in most places a county official) estimates the market value of your property. That value, minus any exemptions you qualify for — homestead exemptions are the most common — is multiplied by the combined rates of the local taxing districts where the property sits: typically the county, a municipality, a school district, and sometimes special districts such as fire or water districts.
If your assessment notice shows a value that looks too high, you can usually appeal. Start by asking the assessor's office for your property record card and checking it for simple errors — wrong square footage, an extra bathroom, a missed exemption. If the value still looks wrong, gather evidence: recent sales of similar homes nearby, or an independent appraisal. Appeals go to the local review board named on your notice, and the deadline on that notice controls — appeal windows are typically short.
One caution applies everywhere in Vermont: the median figures on this page describe the typical owner-occupied household across the whole state. Your own bill depends on your assessed value, your exemptions, and your exact combination of local districts, so use these numbers as a benchmark and confirm specifics with your county assessor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median property tax in Vermont?
The median real estate tax paid in Vermont is $4,956 per year, on a median home value of $290,500 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023).
Which Vermont county has the highest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Chittenden County has the highest median real estate taxes paid at $6,527 per year.
Which Vermont county has the lowest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Essex County has the lowest median real estate taxes paid at $2,828 per year.
How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Vermont?
Assessments in Vermont are handled locally, usually by the county assessor or an equivalent local office. If you believe your assessed value is too high, request your property record card, check it for errors, and file an appeal with the local board named on your assessment notice before the deadline printed on that notice — appeal windows are short, often 30 to 90 days.