Hartford
RANK #480 / 996 NAT · POP 57,832
1YR FORECAST: +2.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
Windsor County, Vermont, holds the distinction of being the "birthplace of Vermont," where the state's constitution was adopted in 1777, notably being the first to prohibit adult slavery and establish universal male suffrage without property requirements. Located in eastern Vermont, bordered by the Connecticut River, the county features a landscape that transitions from river valley to the Green Mountains. Woodstock, the county seat, is known for its preserved 19th-century New England charm, while Windsor itself boasts historical sites like the American Precision Museum. Commuting within the county and to nearby areas like the Upper Valley (home to Dartmouth College) is facilitated by local transit services and ride-sharing options, though some residents experience longer drives for amenities. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping at locations such as Mount Ascutney and various state parks.
Life in Windsor County offers a blend of rural character and access to amenities, attracting a mix of families, retirees, and remote workers. The public school system is generally well-regarded, with schools like Marion W. Cross School and Barnard Academy receiving high rankings. The economy is characterized by a combination of established industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education, alongside a resilient tourism sector. Employers such as Mount Ascutney Hospital and advanced manufacturing firms like ImageTek contribute to the local job market. However, the region faces challenges common to rural areas, including housing shortages and workforce gaps, which local initiatives are working to address through housing development and workforce training programs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Windsor County scores 51/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#480). Median household income is $69,492 and job growth is running at -0.1%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Windsor County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $249,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,054/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Windsor County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs -0.1%. Home values shifted +2.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.13% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Windsor County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.