Homesteading in Vermont
Explore 14 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Vermont.
Vermont uses a Riparian water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and has constitutional carry. The effective property tax rate is 1.73%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Riparian
Follows riparian doctrine. The Agency of Natural Resources regulates water withdrawals; major withdrawals require permits.
Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 10, § 1001 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards are mandatory statewide. Broader building codes adopted by municipalities. RBES based on IRC energy provisions.
Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 30, § 51
Gun Laws
Open Carry: Yes
Constitutional Carry: Yes
Vermont is the original constitutional carry state; no permit has ever been required for open or concealed carry. Magazine capacity restrictions enacted in 2018.
Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4003; Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4021
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects farming operations that follow accepted agricultural practices from nuisance suits. The Required Agricultural Practices program administered by the Agency of Agriculture governs compliance.
Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 5753
Counties in Vermont
14 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addison County | 37,434 | $311,200 | $5,528 | 74 | Very Low |
| Bennington County | 37,326 | $243,000 | $4,317 | 78 | Relatively Low |
| Caledonia County | 30,418 | $197,700 | $3,774 | 72 | Very Low |
| Chittenden County | 168,309 | $378,300 | $6,404 | 72 | Relatively Low |
| Essex County | 5,976 | $151,200 | $2,747 | 71 | Very Low |
| Franklin County | 50,101 | $263,200 | $4,186 | 71 | Very Low |
| Grand Isle County | 7,335 | $339,600 | $4,839 | 71 | Very Low |
| Lamoille County | 25,977 | $270,700 | $4,641 | 72 | Very Low |
| Orange County | 29,439 | $231,000 | $4,311 | 74 | Very Low |
| Orleans County | 27,459 | $196,700 | $3,459 | 71 | Very Low |
| Rutland County | 60,585 | $203,500 | $3,997 | 76 | Relatively Low |
| Washington County | 59,768 | $278,000 | $5,478 | 73 | Relatively Low |
| Windham County | 45,857 | $250,000 | $4,866 | 78 | Relatively Low |
| Windsor County | 57,832 | $249,700 | $5,050 | 76 | Relatively Low |
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