What is the property tax rate in Windsor County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Windsor County, Vermont is approximately 1.75%.

Windsor County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Vermont Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Windsor County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Hartford-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Windsor County — including Vermont's 100% assessment ratio, the structurally unique 2-tier education property tax system (homestead vs nonhomestead rates set annually by the Yield Bill — FY2026 nonhomestead $1.703/$100, homestead property yield $8,596), the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) that adjusts town tax rates for stale assessments, the income-sensitive Property Tax Credit (HS-122) for HHI ≤ $115,400 that calculates education tax as a percentage of household income (refundable via state income tax), and the $40,000 minimum Veteran Exemption (32 V.S.A. §3802(11)) for 50%+ disabled vets — towns may adopt up to $120,000. Vermont effective rates run ~1.83% statewide median (top 10 highest in US).

Windsor County is part of Vermont's structurally unique 2-tier education property tax system. Vermont assesses at 100% of FMV; tax = AV × combined (statewide education + town municipal) rate / 1,000. Vermont has ~252 municipal entities — towns/cities/villages assess, counties retain only "side judges" and judicial functions. The Yield Bill sets education rates annually (FY2026 nonhomestead $1.703/$100, homestead property yield $8,596). Windsor's representative effective rate is ~1.75%. VT runs ~1.83% statewide median (top 10 highest US).

How the bill is built

Each town's listers determine FMV as of April 1. The annual Equalization Study computes each town's Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) by comparing listed values to recent sales — towns with CLA below 100% get rates ADJUSTED UP. Per Act 183 of 2024 (FY2026+), CLA is then divided by the Statewide Adjustment Factor. Homestead rate = (district per-pupil spending / $8,596) × $1.00 × CLA / SA. Nonhomestead = $1.703/$100 × CLA / SA. Add town municipal rate. Windsor's representative combined rate is ~18 mills (~1.75% effective). Bills issue in 2-4 installments, varies by town.

Vermont's Property Tax Credit is income-based, not age-based. For homesteads with HHI ≤ $115,400 (2025), education property tax is calculated as a PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2.00% × district per-pupil spending / $12,172 income yield) instead of property value. Qualifying homesteads pay the lesser of the two; the difference is refunded as state income tax credit (form HS-122). Available regardless of age, though benefits seniors disproportionately due to fixed incomes. File by April 15.

Homestead Declaration (HS-122) is REQUIRED annually by April 15. Without it, properties default to the higher NONHOMESTEAD education rate ($1.703/$100 FY2026 vs the income-adjusted homestead rate). The HS-122 also enables Property Tax Credit eligibility. Vermont's veteran exemption (32 V.S.A. §3802(11)) is $40,000 minimum AV reduction for vets with VA disability ≥ 50%; towns may adopt up to $120,000. VT does NOT provide categorical full-vet exemption.

2026 Windsor County rate breakdown (combined education + town municipal rate per $1,000 of AV (100% FMV; CLA + Statewide Adjustment Factor; towns/cities/villages assess), Woodstock district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined statewide education + town municipal (Hartford FY26 homestead ~$1.75/$100, Woodstock homestead ~$1.45/$100 due to substantial affluent + commercial tax base, Springfield homestead ~$1.95/$100, Norwich homestead ~$1.65/$100, Ludlow homestead ~$1.55/$100 due to substantial Okemo Mountain ski tax base — equalized after CLA + Statewide Adjustment Factor; county avg ~1.75%)	17.5000
Combined total	17.5000

As of April 27, 2026 · From Town Listers (most VT towns) and town/city Assessors (Windsor County borders NH/Connecticut River; Woodstock = affluent town).

Note: Windsor County is **east-central Vermont along the Connecticut River + the Calvin Coolidge birthplace** — anchored by **Hartford** (~10K — home of **White River Junction** the 19th-century railroad junction + home of **Center for Cartoon Studies** + VINS Vermont Institute of Natural Science), **Springfield** (~9K — former machine-tool capital "Precision Valley" + 1880s-1980s American precision-machine-tool industrial heritage), **Windsor** (~3K — as **the "Birthplace of Vermont"** for July 8, 1777 Constitutional Convention drafting of **Vermont Constitution** at **Old Constitution House** — as 1st constitution abolishing slavery in North America + 1st constitution establishing universal male suffrage regardless of property ownership), **Woodstock** (~3K — as **the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America"** per 2017 Smithsonian Magazine + home of **Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park** the American national park dedicated to American conservation history + **Billings Farm & Museum** + 1793-incorporated affluent town), **Norwich** (~3K — as the VT twin-town of **Hanover NH** + home of **King Arthur Baking Company** the American 1790-founded baking flour brand), and **Ludlow** (~2K — home of the **Okemo Mountain Resort** the 121-trail VT ski resort). Major employment includes substantial Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center adjacency (Lebanon NH regional hospital), the **King Arthur Baking Company** in Norwich, substantial Hartford/White River Junction commercial activity (the 19th-century railroad junction continues I-91/I-89 highway interchange identity), and the Okemo Mountain ski + Killington-area ski-and-stay seasonal-resident economy.

Note: Windsor County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.75%** — moderate-high by Vermont standards but with dramatic town-by-town variation. **Woodstock at ~$1.45/$100 homestead** is lower than average due to substantial affluent + Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller commercial tax base. Hartford ~$1.75/$100, Norwich ~$1.65/$100. **Springfield at ~$1.95/$100** is higher reflecting post-machine-tool-industry commercial decline. Median home values around $385K (substantially elevated by Woodstock + Norwich premium) combined with the moderate-high effective rate produce median annual bills around $6,738.

Note: For relocation buyers: Windsor County offers **the premier east-central Vermont + Connecticut River valley + Woodstock + Coolidge heritage** option — substantial Hanover NH adjacency (Norwich VT to Hanover NH via Connecticut River bridge ~5 min — Dartmouth College + Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center commute), the **Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park** + **Billings Farm & Museum** in Woodstock, the **Old Constitution House** in Windsor (the Vermont Constitution drafting site, 1777), exceptional Coolidge heritage (**President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site** in Plymouth Notch — 30th US President's birthplace + childhood home + 1923 swearing-in by Coolidge's father Notary middle-of-the-night August 3, 1923 upon death of Warren Harding), the **Okemo Mountain Resort** ski, and reasonable Hanover/Burlington/Boston reach (Hartford to Hanover ~5 min, to Burlington ~95 mi via I-89, to Boston ~135 mi via I-89 + I-91). The trade-off: aggressive Woodstock/Norwich housing prices (Woodstock median home $785K, Norwich median $675K, Hanover-adjacent $1M+), persistent Springfield post-machine-tool-industry economic decline.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Vermont homeowner property tax relief operates through several mechanisms — primarily through the structurally unique income-sensitivity Property Tax Credit, plus the homestead vs nonhomestead rate distinction, plus partial veteran AV reduction. Vermont's primary relief mechanisms: (1) the Property Tax Credit / Income Sensitivity (form HS-122 — for homesteads with HHI ≤ $115,400, education tax = LESSER of property-based or 2.00% × HHI scaled), (2) the Homestead Declaration (HS-122 — qualifies for homestead vs nonhomestead rate), (3) the $40,000 Disabled Veteran Exemption (32 V.S.A. §3802(11) — towns may adopt up to $120,000), and (4) the Property Tax Deferral / Tax Abatement (case-by-case town option for hardship cases).

Homestead Declaration (form HS-122)

Vermont homeowners must file a Homestead Declaration with the town by April 15 each year to qualify for the homestead education property tax rate (lower than nonhomestead). Properties without a filed declaration default to the nonhomestead rate ($1.703/$100 FY2026 statewide uniform per Act 24 of 2025) — a meaningful tax penalty for primary residences. Eligibility: Vermont resident, own and occupy as principal dwelling as of April 1 of tax year. If you lease the homestead to a tenant for more than 182 days/year, it becomes nonhomestead. The HS-122 also enables Property Tax Credit eligibility — file HS-122 EVEN if you don't expect to qualify for the income-based Property Tax Credit (just to lock in homestead status).

Property Tax Credit / Income Sensitivity (form HS-122)

Vermont's structurally unique relief mechanism — for homesteads with household income at or below $115,400 (2025 limit, 2026 tax year), education property tax is calculated as a PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2.00% × district per-pupil spending / $12,172 income yield) rather than a percentage of property value. Qualifying homesteads pay the LESSER of property-based or income-based — the difference is refunded via state income tax return as a Property Tax Credit. Effective benefit ranges from $0 (high-income) to $4,000+ (low-income retirees with high property values). File HS-122 by April 15 (extension to October 15) — claimed on Form HS-122, processed by Vermont Department of Taxes. The credit appears on the FOLLOWING year's property tax bill (not the current year's) as a state payment to the town.

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (32 V.S.A. §3802(11))

$40,000 statewide minimum AV reduction for veterans with VA disability rating ≥ 50% (or specific categories at 100% including loss of limb, blindness). Towns may adopt higher amounts up to $120,000 by town meeting vote — some Vermont towns (Burlington, South Burlington, Manchester) have adopted higher amounts. Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans continue to receive the exemption (not all states extend this). Vermont does NOT provide a categorical full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Apply with town assessor/lister (NOT county) by April 1. Submit VA disability rating decision and DD-214. On a home in a town with a $20/$1,000 mill rate, the $40,000 exemption saves approximately $800/year (or up to $2,400/year in towns with $120,000 adoption).

Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) + Statewide Adjustment Factor

Each year, the Vermont Department of Taxes conducts an Equalization Study comparing town listed values to actual sale prices over the prior 3 years to compute each town's CLA. Towns where AVs have fallen behind market values (CLA below 100%) get their education tax rates ADJUSTED UP to compensate. NEW for FY2026 (Act 183 of 2024): Vermont introduces the Statewide Adjustment Factor — each town's CLA is now divided by the statewide adjustment (the average level of appraisal) rather than applied directly. The intent: smooth out year-over-year volatility and produce more transparent equalization. Reassessment is required when a town's CLA falls below 85% of fair market value, but many towns delay reassessment for years/decades.

Appealing your assessment

Vermont property tax appeals follow a 4-tier process. Level 1: Local Listers/Assessor. File grievance with town listers within 14 days after Notice of Change in Appraisal (typically May-June). The Listers must hold a hearing within the next month. Level 2: Board of Civil Authority (BCA). Appeal within 14 days of Lister decision. The BCA is composed of town selectboard members, justices of the peace, and the town clerk. Level 3: State Appraisal District OR Vermont Superior Court (Civil Division). Appeal within 30 days of BCA decision — taxpayer chooses path. Level 4: Vermont Supreme Court (rare). Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or 2. Tax cycle: assessment date is April 1; bills typically issued in 2-4 installments per year.

Cities and towns in Windsor County

Windsor County contains 7 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Woodstock to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Windsor County is subject to Windsor County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Hartford	town	10,000
Springfield	town	9,000
Windsor	town	3,000
Woodstock County seat	town	3,000
Norwich	town	3,000
White River Junction	town	2,500
Ludlow	town	2,000

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Woodstock tax district. Other cities in Windsor County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Town Listers (most VT towns) and town/city Assessors (Windsor County borders NH/Connecticut River; Woodstock = affluent town) before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Vermont property taxes due?

Vermont property tax assessment date is April 1 (the date that determines ownership and property characteristics for the tax year). Bills are typically issued in 2-4 installments per year (varies by town — most VT towns use August/November/March/May or similar quarterly split). Vermont's tax year runs July 1 – June 30 (state fiscal year alignment). Late payments accrue 8% interest. Most homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

What's the difference between Vermont's homestead rate and nonhomestead rate?

Vermont uses a structurally unique 2-tier education property tax system. The homestead rate applies to primary residences — calculated as (district per-pupil spending / $8,596 homestead property yield) × $1.00 base rate, then adjusted by CLA / Statewide Adjustment Factor. Most towns: ~$1.50-$2.10/$100 of equalized FMV. The nonhomestead rate applies to non-resident-owned, rental, and second homes — set annually by the Yield Bill at a single statewide uniform rate (FY2026: $1.703/$100 per Act 24 of 2025). Vermont homeowners must file a Homestead Declaration (HS-122) by April 15 each year to qualify for the homestead rate — properties without a filed declaration default to the nonhomestead rate.

How does Vermont's Property Tax Credit (income sensitivity) work?

For homesteads with household income at or below $115,400 (2025), Vermont calculates education property tax as a PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2.00% × district per-pupil spending / $12,172 income yield) rather than a percentage of property value. Qualifying homesteads pay the LESSER of property-based or income-based — the difference is refunded via state income tax return as a Property Tax Credit (form HS-122, formerly called Property Tax Rebate). Available to ALL income-qualifying homesteads regardless of age. Effective benefit ranges from $0 (high-income) to $4,000+ (low-income retirees with high property values). The credit appears on the FOLLOWING year's property tax bill as a state payment to the town. File HS-122 by April 15 (extension to October 15).

Why are Vermont effective property tax rates so high?

Vermont effective rates run ~1.83% statewide median — among the top 10 highest in the United States. Three structural reasons: (1) Education funding — Vermont funds K-12 public education almost entirely through the statewide education property tax (homestead + nonhomestead rates set annually by the Yield Bill), so property tax does substantial revenue work. (2) Small-state economics — Vermont has only ~647K residents but maintains a full state government, court system, and ~252 local governments (towns + cities + villages); property tax is a primary funding source. (3) Limited commercial/industrial tax base — Vermont has limited large-scale commercial/industrial property compared to most states; residential property carries proportionally more of the burden. Vermont partially offsets the high rates through the income-sensitivity Property Tax Credit (see above).

How does Vermont's Disabled Veteran Exemption work?

32 V.S.A. §3802(11) provides a $40,000 statewide minimum AV reduction for veterans with VA disability rating ≥ 50% (or specific categories at 100% including loss of limb, blindness). Towns may adopt higher amounts up to $120,000 by town meeting vote — some Vermont towns (Burlington, South Burlington, Manchester) have adopted higher amounts. Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans continue to receive the exemption. Vermont does NOT provide a categorical full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans — Vermont joins the partial-treatment list (CT, NH, NV, UT, KY, ME) rather than the categorical full-exemption states. Apply with town assessor/lister (NOT county) by April 1. Submit VA disability rating decision and DD-214.

What is the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) and the new Statewide Adjustment Factor?

The CLA measures how closely a town's grand list values match actual market values. The Vermont Department of Taxes conducts an annual Equalization Study comparing town listed values to actual sale prices over the prior 3 years. Towns where AVs have fallen behind market values (CLA below 100%) get their education tax rates ADJUSTED UP to compensate. NEW for FY2026 (Act 183 of 2024): Each town's CLA is now divided by the Statewide Adjustment Factor (the average level of appraisal across Vermont) to produce the final adjustment. Reassessment is required when a town's CLA falls below 85% of fair market value, but many towns delay reassessment for years/decades. Vermont's new Regional Assessment Districts (RADs, 12 total based on counties) will require joint reappraisal contracts going forward.

About Windsor County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

**Calvin Coolidge** (1872-1933 — **born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont** in Windsor County — home town) is **the 30th US President** 1923-1929 — as the **only US President born in Vermont** + for one of the most-unique US presidential swearing-in ceremonies in American history. The **August 3, 1923 swearing-in** occurred at 2:47 AM in the **Coolidge Homestead** in **Plymouth Notch VT** (1872-built farmhouse — home of father **John Calvin Coolidge Sr.**) — when word reached VT of President Warren G. Harding's August 2, 1923 death in San Francisco. Coolidge was visiting father at Plymouth Notch. The father **John Calvin Coolidge Sr.** (a VT notary public) administered the **presidential oath of office** to his own son in the front parlor of the Coolidge Homestead at **2:47 AM by kerosene lamplight** — as the only US presidential swearing-in by a parent. The 1923 Coolidge swearing-in is **one of the most-unique events in US presidential history** + subject of countless American presidential history books + American documentary films. The **President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site** in Plymouth Notch (the 1956-established Vermont state historic site) preserves: the **Coolidge Homestead** (1872-built farmhouse with front parlor + kerosene lamp + original swearing-in furniture); the **Plymouth Notch village** (1903-restored 19th-century VT farmhouse village — VT cheese factory + general store + post office); and the **Coolidge Cemetery** (final resting place of Calvin Coolidge, died January 5, 1933).

Hometown hero

Calvin Coolidge + Marsh family + countless Windsor County figures

**Calvin Coolidge** (1872-1933 — born in Plymouth Notch VT) is the 30th US President 1923-1929 — as the only US President born in Vermont + for the 1923 Plymouth Notch swearing-in by his father (see above). Coolidge's political career includes **Massachusetts Governor** 1919-1921 (for 1919 Boston Police Strike handling) + **US Vice President** 1921-1923 + **30th US President** 1923-1929 (for 1924 election landslide + 1925 inauguration in Washington DC + 1928 decision not to run for 2nd full term). Coolidge's dry-humor + economic conservatism identity is the American 1920s political culture. **George Perkins Marsh** (1801-1882 — American conservation pioneer + 1864 *Man and Nature* author as American conservation movement foundational text — born in Woodstock VT) is the American conservation movement father. **Frederick Billings** (1823-1890 — American railroad executive + **Billings, Montana namesake** — born in Royalton VT in Windsor County) is for Northern Pacific Railway 1880s leadership. **Laurance S. Rockefeller** (1910-2004 — American philanthropist + conservation advocate — owned Woodstock VT estate from 1934, as the current **Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park** site) is for American conservation leadership. **Other notable Windsor County figures** include: **Stephen A. Douglas** (1813-1861 — born in Brandon VT in Rutland County, see Rutland); **Norwich University founder Alden Partridge** (1785-1854 — born in Norwich VT, 1819 founder of Norwich University); dozens of American figures.

Biggest annual event

Plymouth Notch + Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller + Old Constitution House + Okemo ski

The **President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site** in Plymouth Notch (since 1956) draws **75,000+ annual visitors** — as the VT presidential heritage tourism draw + annual **Plymouth Notch Old Home Day** mid-August. The **Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park** in Woodstock (the 1992-established American national park — only national park dedicated to American conservation history) draws **40,000+ annual visitors**. The **Billings Farm & Museum** + **Old Constitution House** in Windsor (1777 Vermont Constitution drafting site) annual cultural programming. The **Okemo Mountain Resort** in Ludlow draws 350,000+ annual skier-visits.

Property Tax in Windsor County, 2026