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Overall Rating: 79/100 · 36,000 veterans (7.4% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Vermont veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Vermont Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Full exemption if AGI under $125K (2025+)
1.9% average effective rate
$10,000–$40,000 of value (50%+, town-set)
State minimum $10,000; towns may vote to raise to $40,000. Flat once you qualify (50%+). Nothing below 50%.
Source ↗No sales tax in Vermont
$55,000
VA Medical Center
215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009
(802) 295-9363
Primary care, mental health, specialty care, PTSD treatment
Tuition waiver
50%+ disabled veterans qualify for tuition assistance
4-year value: $14,000
Median Home
$400,000
1BR Rent
$1,500/mo
COL Index
115
Unemployment
2.2%
Major employers: University of Vermont, UVM Medical Center, state government, tourism
Pros: No sales tax, military retirement exemption (under $125K AGI), low crime, outdoor recreation
Cons: Very cold winters, high cost of living, limited property tax relief
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Eligible veterans receive 5 preference points added to their employment test score, and disabled veterans receive 10 points, per 20 V.S.A. 1543 / 3 V.S.A. 310(f). Eligible veterans may also apply to some State promotional-only postings.
Official source ↗Vermont resident veterans who have ever had a service-connected VA disability rating of 60% or greater qualify for a free permanent fishing, hunting, or combination license.
Official source ↗The Vermont DMV adds a 'VETERAN' designation to the front of a driver license or non-driver ID at no additional charge once the Office of Veterans Affairs confirms honorable-discharge status.
Official source ↗Any veteran may apply for a Veterans' plate; disabled veterans qualify for the Disabled Veteran plate with a certified Certificate of Veteran Status (VG-168) and medical form, and VA-financed vehicles register free of fees.
Official source ↗State-operated 177-bed nursing home in Bennington providing skilled nursing care; open to veterans who served at least 90 days with an honorable discharge, plus Gold Star parents and spouses, with Vermont veterans given admission priority.
Official source ↗Unremarried surviving spouses (and minor children) of veterans who qualified for the disabled-veteran property tax exemption may continue the exemption (minimum $10,000, up to $40,000 at town option) on the primary residence.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Vermont Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.