Median Income
$118,750
58% higher than US avg
Home Value
$442,900
57% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
55.2%
64% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.4%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How South Hero Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population183
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density169/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$118,750
Per Capita$64,963
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$265M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$442,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$589,651
Housing Units133
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property1,365/100K
Health
Obesity29.4%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking9.6%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation130 ft (40 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+55.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+16.1%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 59%
Commute26 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is South Hero a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Hero receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. South Hero offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Hero is $118,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 58% above $75,149. This places South Hero among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Hero is $442,900, making it a premium housing market at 57% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
South Hero is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,365 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Education
South Hero is a highly educated community / 55.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Hero experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches, including 50.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
South Hero has a population of 183 with a density of 169 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Hero vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Hero vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Hero is $118,750, which is 58% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $64,963 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 299 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 12.7% of workers work from home.
Income: South Hero vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $118,750 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $64,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,779 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 299 |
| County GDP | $265M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,648 |
| 204% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.7% |
The median home value in South Hero is $442,900, 57% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $589,651, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,203 for a one-bedroom to $1,487 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $10,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $442,900 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $589,651 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,648 |
| 204% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In South Hero, 29.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 9.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 15.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,484. The dentist ratio is 1:7,489. 52.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Hero vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.7% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,484 |
| Dentists | 1:7,489 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,067 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 74.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,017/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
South Hero has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,365 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. Overall, South Hero receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Hero vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 65.9/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,365.0/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Hero experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 50.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. The city sits at an elevation of 130 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 169/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6484°N, 73.3013°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Grand Isle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Plattsburgh International (PBG) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
73 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
35 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
128 km |
| Oct 10, 2012 |
7 km ESE of Verchères, Canada |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
61 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
62 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
36 km |
| Sep 12, 1995 |
8 km S of Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
82 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| May 17, 2021 |
5 km SW of L'Épiphanie, Canada |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
34 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1957 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1989 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAT ROCK FIRE (658 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FLAT ROCK FIRE |
658 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
South Hero has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in South Hero. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$245 ($147–$392) |
| Specialist Visit |
$343 ($196–$539) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$196 ($98–$343) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,156 ($784–$4,900) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($74–$196) |
| Dental Filling |
$245 ($147–$392) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$588 ($392–$980) |
| Battery Replacement |
$196 ($98–$343) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$147) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$392 ($147–$784) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,860 ($3,920–$11,760) |
| Roof Repair |
$980 ($392–$1,960) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,820 ($5,390–$14,700) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,470 ($490–$3,430) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,700 ($4,900–$29,400) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,900 ($1,960–$9,800) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,470 ($784–$2,940) |
| Will Preparation |
$490 ($196–$980) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,450 ($980–$4,900) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$147 ($74–$245) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.02 ($2.94–$5.39) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.43 ($2.45–$4.90) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.72 ($2.45–$5.39) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.41 ($2.94–$6.37) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.39 ($3.92–$7.35) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$245) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$147) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$147) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$196 ($74–$490) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,960 ($1,176–$3,430) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.84–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$245) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,176 ($588–$2,450) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$980 ($490–$1,960) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$392 ($196–$686) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$980 ($392–$2,450) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,250 ($4,900–$29,400) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$196) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$196 ($98–$392) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About South Hero
What is the population of South Hero?
South Hero has a population of 183 residents and is located in Vermont. The population density is 169 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is South Hero expensive to live in?
South Hero has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $118,750, 58% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $442,900 (57% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Hero safe?
South Hero is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,365 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Hero receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Hero?
South Hero has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches, with 50.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in South Hero?
The job market in South Hero is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 299 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 12.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Hero?
The median home value in South Hero is $442,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $589,651. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $10,648.
How are the schools in South Hero?
Schools in South Hero score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 55.2% of adults in South Hero hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 16.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Hero?
The obesity rate in South Hero is 29.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.6% of adults are smokers. 15.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 52.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,484.
What is transportation like in South Hero?
The average commute in South Hero is 26 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Hero?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Hero is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.