AcreScore โ€” What's this?
60/ 100

Rutland County, VT

Rutland County offers building opportunities in Southern, though some factors need consideration.

๐Ÿ“Š60/100AcreScore
๐Ÿ’ฐ$5KLand $/acre
๐Ÿ $245KHome Value
๐Ÿ‘ฅ60,572Population
๐Ÿ“ˆ+-2.2%Growth (10yr)
๐ŸŒŠ16%Flood RiskModerate
๐ŸŒก๏ธCold continentalClimateZone 5a

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Can You Build Here?

Rutland County has local zoning regulations. Check with the county building department for specific rules on your parcel. Barndominiums may require conditional use permits in some zones.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
ResidentialVariesโš ๏ธ Conditional
AgriculturalNoneโœ… Yes
CommercialVariesโŒ No

Rutland County has local zoning. Contact the county building department for specific regulations.

๐Ÿ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Most states allow owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Check Vermont requirements โ€” licensed subs are typically needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • โ€ข Building permit (residential)
  • โ€ข Septic permit (if no public sewer)
  • โ€ข Electrical permit
  • โ€ข Plumbing permit

Permit Office

Rutland County Building Department Rutland, VT Contact county clerk for current hours and requirements

๐ŸŒŠ What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Elevated flood risk at 16%. Rutland County has significant FEMA flood zone coverage โ€” careful site selection and flood insurance may be required. Check FEMA maps for your specific parcel.

16%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

๐Ÿ’ฐ What Does It Cost?

Extremely affordable. Median land prices around $4,500 per acre make Rutland County one of the most budget-friendly options in Vermont.

$5K
Median $/acre
$245K
Median Home Value
$120โ€“200
Build Cost $/sqft
1.88%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Rutland County Assessor

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Why People Love Living Here

Rutland County sits in the heart of Southern. Burlington is 65 min away. Vermont has a state income tax โ€” factor that into your cost-of-living calculations.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Affordable Land

Median land at $4,500/acre means you can buy more, build bigger, and still stay under budget.

๐Ÿ 

Established Community

Zoning provides predictability โ€” you know what your neighbors can and can't build. Good for long-term property value.

At a Glance

Population60,572
10-Year Growth-2.2%
County SeatRutland
State Income TaxYes
ClimateCold continental (Zone 5a)

How Close Is Everything?

Burlington65 min
Albany (ALB)90 min
Austinvaries

๐Ÿ’ง Utilities & Infrastructure

Most rural Rutland County land uses well water and septic systems. Municipal utilities are available near Rutland. Check with local utility providers for your specific parcel.

Electric ProviderLocal Co-op / TXU
WaterWell or Municipal
SewerSeptic (most rural)
InternetVaries by location
Cell CoverageGood
Natural GasPropane common in rural areas

๐Ÿฆ Financing & Incentives

Rutland County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans โ€” zero-down-payment financing for eligible buyers in most areas.

โœ… USDA Eligible
Zero down payment
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
1.88%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address โ†’

๐Ÿ“ Nearby Counties

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โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Rutland County?
Check with the Rutland County Building Department for specific zoning rules on your parcel. Some zones allow barndominiums outright, others may require conditional use permits.
How much does land cost in Rutland County?
Median price is approximately $4,500 per acre, though prices vary by location, road access, and improvements. USDA Rural Development loans may be available for eligible buyers.
Is Rutland County eligible for USDA Rural Development loans?
Yes โ€” most of Rutland County qualifies for USDA Rural Development programs, including zero-down-payment home loans for eligible buyers.
What is the property tax rate in Rutland County?
The effective property tax rate is approximately 1.88%. Check with the county assessor for the most current rates and any available homestead exemptions.
Do I need a licensed contractor to build in Rutland County?
Most states allow owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences, though requirements vary by state and county. In Vermont, check local building codes for specific licensing requirements. You'll typically need licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.