County

Washington County, Vermont Retirement Score

Washington County is a stronger fit for retirees who prioritize lower hazard exposure, cleaner air, and a practical Vermont setting, but it is less appealing for those who want mild winters or big-city convenience.

Overall Retirement Score
63
Around average

Quick takeaway

Best for: lower-risk profile, cleaner air, practical Vermont setting

Think twice if: mild winters matter most, you want a larger metro

Score breakdown

Affordability
44
Expensive for retirees
Healthcare Access
65
Above average
Climate Comfort
35
Below average
Disaster Risk
83
Strong
Air Quality
83
Strong
Retiree Fit
66
Above average

At a glance

Median rent
$1,163
Median home value
$315,000
Age 65+
21%
Climate
Cooler four-season profile
Healthcare
Decent regional access
Risk
Lower overall hazard pressure
Air quality
Strong

Good fit for

Retirees who want lower-risk New England living with cleaner air.

Less ideal for

Retirees who want warm weather or major-metro convenience.

Biggest strengths

  • Risk profile is favorable.
  • Air quality is consistently strong.
  • Retiree fit is solid for a small-market county.

Biggest tradeoffs

  • Winters are a real climate tradeoff.
  • Healthcare depth is only moderate.

Affordability

68
Above average

Risk profile is favorable.

Median rent
$1,163
Median home value
$315,000

Healthcare access

61
Around average

Air quality is consistently strong.

Healthcare
Decent regional access

Climate Comfort

45
Below average

Washington County is a stronger fit for retirees who prioritize lower hazard exposure, cleaner air, and a practical Vermont setting, but it is less appealing for those who want mild winters or big-city convenience.

Climate
Cooler four-season profile

Disaster Risk

83
Strong

Winters are a real climate tradeoff.

Risk
Lower overall hazard pressure

Air Quality

83
Strong

Retiree fit is solid for a small-market county.

Air quality
Strong

Retiree Fit

72
Above average

Washington County, Vermont has a practical retiree profile relative to similarly sized places.

Age 65+
21%

Similar places to consider

Rutland County, Vermont

Similar Vermont balance with slightly cheaper housing.

Chittenden County, Vermont

Similar lower-risk appeal with stronger healthcare.

Explore more in Vermont

Best Places to Retire in Vermont

Compare this place

See how Washington County, Vermont compares with another county or metro for affordability, healthcare, climate, air quality, and risk.

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington County, Vermont affordable for retirees?

Affordability here is mixed and should be weighed alongside housing costs, healthcare access, and climate tradeoffs.

What is the biggest retirement tradeoff here?

The main tradeoff is usually a balance between affordability, climate comfort, and risk exposure.

What to do next

Use this page as a narrowing step, then compare it directly against nearby or similarly ranked counties and metros. The overall score is the summary; the category scores explain the tradeoffs.