Vermont housing costs at a glance
| Vermont | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $406,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 1.4% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 1.6% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $984 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
Vermont home for $406,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $2,053 + property tax $541 + insurance $82 = about $2,676 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Vermont property tax: file the homestead declaration
Vermont's statewide education property tax has a lower homestead rate and a higher non-homestead rate, and you only get the homestead rate if you file a Homestead Declaration every year by April 15. Lower- and middle-income households can also get an income-based property tax credit. Vermont's average effective rate is high, about 1.4% of value.
Other Vermont costs
- Property transfer tax: 1.25% of the price (0.5% on the first $100,000 for a primary residence), plus a 0.2% clean water surcharge; paid by the buyer.
- Insurance: about $980 a year, the lowest of any state.
- See also the Vermont paycheck calculator.
Other states
See also the Vermont paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Vermont Homestead Declaration?
A yearly filing, due April 15, that taxes your primary residence at the lower homestead education rate.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Vermont home?
On a $406,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $2,053; with property tax at 1.6% and average insurance the total is about $2,676 a month.
Who pays the property transfer tax in Vermont?
The buyer: 1.25% of the price (less on the first $100,000 of a primary residence) plus a 0.2% clean water surcharge.
What is the property tax rate in Vermont?
About 1.4% of home value on average, among the highest in the country.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Vermont Department of Taxes – property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026