Essex County Public RecordsVermont

Essex County, VT, Vermont's least populous county (2020 pop. ~5,920), had about 4,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, with around 60% turnout in presidential years. Polling locations operate in each of the county’s 18 towns. Election administration is managed by town clerks under Vermont Secretary of State oversight. Major parties are Democratic, Republican, and Progressive; 2020 saw 58% voting Republican for president. Key issues include broadband access, rural economy, and healthcare. The voter registration deadline is Election Day, thanks to Vermont’s same-day registration law.

Essex County, VT has 6 public schools, including 1 high school. Only about 13% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school scores on Vermont’s Education Quality Standards hover around 50-60/100. Adult education resources are limited, with few local programs. School safety is rated above average, with minimal incidents reported annually. Educational offerings include basic K-12 curricula with some vocational programs.

As of 2022, Essex County, VT had an employment rate of approximately 54%, reflecting its rural character and aging population. Key industries include health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (11%). Most workers (73%) are employed in private wage and salary roles, with 17% in government. About 77% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute of 23 minutes, often traveling to neighboring counties such as Caledonia or Orleans for work. Self-employment comprises around 13% of the workforce, indicating a significant share of small business owners.

Essex County, VT, features a median home value of around $135,200 and a homeownership rate near 86%. Rental vacancies are common, with median rent approximately $740 monthly. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with some seasonal and mobile homes; multi-unit structures are rare. Notable communities include Island Pond and Canaan. The property tax rate is about 1.85%, among Vermont’s lower rates. The real estate market is relatively stable, with modest year-over-year growth in property values. The rural landscape and affordability make Essex County attractive for those seeking quiet neighborhoods and outdoor recreation.

As of the 2020 Census, Essex County, Vermont, had a population of 5,920, making it the least populous county in the state. The median age is 49.7 years, indicating an older population. About 50.3% are male and 49.7% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (95.6%), with small percentages of Native American (1.1%), African American (0.5%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). The population is primarily non-Hispanic, with minimal ethnic diversity.

Essex County, VT, is one of the safest counties in Vermont with consistently low crime rates. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is just 44.4 per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 383 per 100,000. Property crime is also minimal, with 130 incidents per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, and most incidents involve minor infractions. The rural nature and tight-knit communities contribute to the county’s high safety levels and strong sense of security among its 5,800+ residents.