Orwell, VT Utility & Living Guide

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Orwell, VT Utility & Living Guide

Orwell is a town in Addison County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,239 at the 2020 census. Mount Independence was the largest fortification constructed by the American colonial forces. The 300-acre (1.2 km2) site is now one of Vermont's premier state-operated historic sites.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$260/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Orwell
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Green Mountain Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$30/mo

Orwell Village Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$260/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Orwell is characterized by a mix of old and new homes, with a limited supply of rentals available. Home prices have been steadily increasing due to the town’s popularity among families and retirees. The median home price is around $280,000.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.8%
<p>State 6% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Vermont has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3.75% to 8.95%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, affordable housing, rural broadband access
🚌 Transit for Families

Orwell has limited public transportation options, but the town's compact downtown area is walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lake Champlain
  • 🎯
    Mount Independence State Historic Site
  • 🎯
    Orwell Town Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The village center and surrounding rural areas offer a mix of historic homes and new constructions, with easy access to local amenities and outdoor recreation. Families with children often prefer the neighborhoods near the town's elementary school.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Orwell based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Orwell has zoning regulations and building codes in place to preserve the town’s rural character and natural resources

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📊 Orwell — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Orwell fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in winter due to heating and lower bills in summer. However, the town's mild summers mean that air conditioning costs are relatively low.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 05760 has a property tax millage rate of 1.8, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, due to the town's compact downtown area and relatively flat terrain, but limited sidewalk infrastructure and few elevators in public buildings

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