Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Orange County, VT had a population of 29,277. The median age was 46.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. Approximately 50.2% were female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county was predominantly White (95.2%), with smaller populations of individuals identifying as Two or More Races (2.0%), Asian (0.8%), Black or African American (0.5%), and Hispanic or Latino of any race (1.7%). This highlights the county's limited racial and ethnic diversity.
Elections
Orange County, Vermont, has around 21,000 residents and about 14,000 registered voters as of 2022. Voter registration is available online, by mail, or at town clerks’ offices. Elections include local (town meeting), state, and federal contests. In the 2020 presidential election, 56% voted for Democrat Joe Biden and 41% for Republican Donald Trump. Polling locations are found in each of the county’s 23 towns. Key issues include agriculture, healthcare, and rural broadband. The County Clerk’s office oversees administration, with participation from both Democratic and Republican parties, plus some Progressive and Independent candidates.
Education, Employment and Housing
Orange County, VT, has 17 public schools, including 6 high schools. The graduation rate is approximately 91%, and 34% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Average statewide test scores are near the Vermont average. The county is known for strong school safety measures and supportive educational climates. Community colleges and adult education programs, such as Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, serve local learners. Schools offer a range of programs, including AP and vocational tracks, aiming for postsecondary readiness and lifelong learning.
As of 2022, Orange County, VT, had an employment rate of approximately 65%. The largest industries are health care & social assistance (18%), educational services (13%), and retail trade (11%). Major occupations include management (12%), office & administrative support (10%), and education (9%). Around 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Over 50% work outside Orange County, mainly in Windsor, Washington, and Chittenden counties.
Orange County, VT has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with a median home value of approximately $255,000 in 2023. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. The market has seen home values rise by roughly 8% year-over-year. Housing types include historic farmhouses, single-family homes, and small apartment units, with neighborhoods like Randolph and Bradford being popular. Property tax rates average 2%, among the higher rates in Vermont. The area offers rural charm, attracting both families and retirees.
County Crime & Safety
Orange County, VT, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county’s property crime rate is about 7.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, while violent crime remains rare, at approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies collaborate with local communities to promote safety, using regular patrols and public reporting mechanisms. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, contributing to the county’s high clearance and resolution rates. Overall, Orange County’s crime rates reflect a safe and secure environment.
Popular names
- Matthew Smith
- Janice Taylor
- Jonathan Wilder
- Michael Smith
- Susan Rogers
- David Smith
- Gloria Thurston
- Michael Johnson
- Richard Smith
- Robert Jones
- Susan Clark
- William Jones
- Arthur Roy
- Ashley White
- Bonnie White
- Dale Williams
- Daniel Bartlett
- David Wilson
- Elaine Howe
- George Smith
- George Stowell
- Keith Williams
- Kelly Smith
- Larry Hart
- Lauren Noyes
- Mark Richardson
- Mary Martin
- Michael Brown
- Michael Gray
- Michael Mann
- Paul Smith
- Robert Martin
- Ronald Allen
- Scott Hanley
- Steven Brown
- Timothy Smith
- William Danforth
- William Murphy
- Aaron Johnson
- Aaron Welch
- Adam Osha
- Amanda Smith
- Amy Driscoll
- Andrew Rogers
- Anna Martin
- Anne Adams
- Barbara Pritchard
- Barbara Smith
- Betty Johnson
- Brian Smith
- Caitlin Gendron
- Charity Salls
- Chelsea Parker
- Cory Clark
- Crystal Currier
- Daniel Brick
- Daniel Martin
- Darrell Duprey
- David Farnham
- David Howe