Property Tax in Vermont (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Vermont Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Vermont

Property Tax Calculator — Vermont

Pre-loaded with Vermont's 1.73% effective rate and $398,500 median price

Property Tax by City in Vermont

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Vermont Homestead Exemption

How Vermont Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by local listers at 100% of fair market value. Common level of appraisal (CLA) adjusted by state to ensure equalization across towns.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $398,500 home in Vermont

Property tax represents 16% of the true monthly cost in Vermont.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Vermont

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Vermont's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$575/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Vermont

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Vermont?

Vermont's effective property tax rate is 1.73%, ranking #5 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $6,894 ($575/month). Rates range from 1.42% in Essex County to 1.96% in Chittenden County (Burlington). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Vermont have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Vermont offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Vermont Homestead Declaration: owner-occupied primary residences are designated 'homestead' and taxed at the statewide homestead rate (lower than the non-residential rate). The Renter Rebate and Homestead Property Tax Credit provide income-sensitive relief for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Vermont?

Vermont reassesses property on a annual assessment by local listers at 100% of fair market value. common level of appraisal (cla) adjusted by state to ensure equalization across towns. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Vermont?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Vermont, the effective rate is 1.73% of market value. On a $398,500 home: $398,500 × 1.73% = $6,894/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Vermont?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Vermont?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $575/month ($6,894/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Vermont counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Vermont's highest effective rate is in Chittenden County (Burlington) at 1.96%. The lowest is Essex County at 1.42%. That's a 0.54% spread — on a $398,500 home, the difference is $2,152/year.