The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 05074 sells for about $649,000, or $235 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 142 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,200 a month.
ZIP 05074 — Thetford
The Strafford housing market remains characterized by low inventory and high price points relative to the regional average. Demand is driven by remote workers and those seeking rural privacy, though the market is currently cooling due to limited supply and high interest rates. Prices have stabilized following significant appreciation over the last five years.
This ZIP is best suited for remote workers, retirees, and families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle. It is less ideal for those requiring proximity to urban amenities or public transit.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 142 days on market with 18.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.8% · poverty 5.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 9.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 05074, Orange County VT
Crime rates in Strafford are consistently low, reflecting the rural character of Orange County. The area experiences minimal reported violent or property crime compared to regional and national averages.
The town is served by the Newton School (PK-8) and is part of the Orange Windsor Supervisory Union, generally characterized by small class sizes and strong community engagement.
The area faces moderate risks from seasonal flooding along local brooks and winter weather events. Property insurance premiums are influenced by the rural, forested landscape and distance from emergency services.
Economic momentum is driven by small-scale agriculture, local services, and remote work professionals. There is minimal large-scale industrial development, with infrastructure focused on maintaining rural road networks.
Property taxes are assessed at the town level based on fair market value, with a state-wide education tax component. Vermont utilizes a complex school funding formula that links local property tax rates to household income for eligible residents.
Commutes are primarily by private vehicle, with residents traveling toward the Hanover/Lebanon, NH employment core, typically a 25-35 minute drive. Public transit options are not available in this rural ZIP.
The area features extensive access to hiking trails, the Strafford Town House, and proximity to the Ompompanoosuc River. Shopping and dining are limited locally, requiring travel to nearby towns.
The rental market is extremely limited with low inventory, primarily consisting of single-family homes or accessory dwelling units. Vacancy pressure is high due to the lack of multi-family housing stock.
The local economy is anchored by education, small-scale agriculture, and professional services. Many residents commute to the nearby Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Transportation is entirely dependent on private vehicles, with Vermont Route 132 serving as the primary artery. There is no public transit infrastructure.
Development is strictly managed by local zoning to preserve the rural character of the town. No major commercial or residential projects are currently in the pipeline.
Parcels are subject to local town taxes and the state-wide education property tax. There are no MUDs or PIDs in this jurisdiction.
Property insurance is standard for rural Vermont, with premiums reflecting wildfire and flood risk assessments. Market health is stable but sensitive to regional weather patterns.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau and World Population Review.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Preserves the home of the 19th-century U.S. Senator.
A landmark building used for town meetings and community events.
Provides local fishing and scenic recreational opportunities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.