Washington County, Vermont
Encyclopedia
Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Vermont
. As of 2010, the population was 59,534; Vermont's third-most populous county after Chittenden County and Rutland County. Its shire town is Montpelier
, the state capital. The center of population
of Vermont is located in Washington County, in the town of Warren
.
, the county has a total area of 695 square miles (1,800 km²), of which 689 square miles (1,784.5 km²) is land and 6 square miles (15.5 km²) (0.90%) is water.
Washington County is one of only two counties in Vermont that does not border a neighboring state or Canada; the other being Lamoille County to the north.
Interstate 89
passes through the county, and has five exits within it.
of 2000, there were 58,039 people, 23,659 households, and 15,047 families residing in the county. The population density
was 84 people per square mile (33/km²). There were 27,644 housing units at an average density of 40 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.05% White
, 0.47% Black
or African American
, 0.30% Native American
, 0.57% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.26% from other races
, and 1.34% from two or more races. 1.26% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 16.7% were of English
, 12.2% Irish
, 12.1% French
, 9.1% French Canadian
, 8.7% American
, 7.3% Italian
, 6.4% German
and 5.2% Scottish
ancestry according to Census 2000. 94.3% spoke English
, 2.7% French
and 1.1% Spanish
as their first language.
There were 23,659 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.60% were married couples
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.40% were non-families. 28.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.50% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 26.00% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,972, and the median income for a family was $51,075. Males had a median income of $33,181 versus $26,369 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $21,113. About 5.50% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.10% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
on January 15, 1777 when Vermont declared itself to be a distinct state from New York. The land originally was contested by Massachusetts
, New Hampshire
, and New Netherlands, but it remained undelineated until July 20, 1764 when King George III
established the boundary between New Hampshire and New York along the west bank of the Connecticut River
, north of Massachusetts and south of the parallel of 45 degrees north latitude. New York assigned the land gained to Albany County
. On March 12, 1772 Albany County was partitioned to create Charlotte County
, and this situation remained until Vermont's independence from New York and Britain.
Washington County was originally established as Jefferson County in 1810 from parts of Caledonia County, Chittenden County, and Orange County. In 1814, it was renamed Washington County.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
. As of 2010, the population was 59,534; Vermont's third-most populous county after Chittenden County and Rutland County. Its shire town is Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is a city in the U.S. state of Vermont that serves as the state capital and the shire town of Washington County. As the capital of Vermont, Montpelier is the site of the Vermont State House, seat of the legislative branch of Vermont government. The population was 7,855 at the 2010...
, the state capital. The center of population
Center of population
In demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
of Vermont is located in Washington County, in the town of Warren
Warren, Vermont
Warren is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,681 at the 2000 census. The center of population of Vermont is located in Warren. It is set between the two ranges of the Green Mountains, with approximately 25% of the town under Green Mountain National Forest...
.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 695 square miles (1,800 km²), of which 689 square miles (1,784.5 km²) is land and 6 square miles (15.5 km²) (0.90%) is water.
Washington County is one of only two counties in Vermont that does not border a neighboring state or Canada; the other being Lamoille County to the north.
Interstate 89
Interstate 89
Interstate 89 is an interstate highway in the New England region of the United States travelling between Bow, New Hampshire and Highgate Springs, Vermont. As with all odd-numbered primary interstates, I-89 is signed as a north–south highway...
passes through the county, and has five exits within it.
Adjacent counties
- Lamoille County, VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
- north - Caledonia CountyCaledonia County, VermontCaledonia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 31,227. Its shire town is St. Johnsbury.The county was given the Latin name for Scotland, in honor of the many settlers who claimed ancestry there....
, VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
- northeast - Orange County, VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
- southeast - Addison CountyAddison County, VermontAddison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. In 2010, the population was 36,821. Its shire town is Middlebury.-Geography:...
, VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
- southwest - Chittenden CountyChittenden County, VermontChittenden County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 156,545. Its shire town is Burlington. Chittenden is the most populous county in the state, with more than twice as many residents as Vermont's second-most populous county, Rutland.Chittenden County...
, VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 58,039 people, 23,659 households, and 15,047 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 84 people per square mile (33/km²). There were 27,644 housing units at an average density of 40 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.05% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.30% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.57% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.26% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.34% from two or more races. 1.26% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 16.7% were of English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 12.2% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 12.1% French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
, 9.1% French Canadian
French Canadian
French Canadian or Francophone Canadian, , generally refers to the descendents of French colonists who arrived in New France in the 17th and 18th centuries...
, 8.7% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 7.3% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
, 6.4% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
and 5.2% Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 94.3% spoke English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, 2.7% French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
and 1.1% Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
as their first language.
There were 23,659 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.40% were non-families. 28.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.50% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 26.00% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,972, and the median income for a family was $51,075. Males had a median income of $33,181 versus $26,369 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $21,113. About 5.50% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.10% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
| Year | Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 69.3% 22,324 | 28.4% 9,129 |
| 2004 | 61.0% 19,177 | 36.4% 11,461 |
| 2000 | 51.4% 15,281 | 38.5% 11,448 |
History
Washington County is one of several Vermont counties created from land ceded by the state of New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
on January 15, 1777 when Vermont declared itself to be a distinct state from New York. The land originally was contested by Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, and New Netherlands, but it remained undelineated until July 20, 1764 when King George III
George III of the United Kingdom
George III was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of these two countries on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death...
established the boundary between New Hampshire and New York along the west bank of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, north of Massachusetts and south of the parallel of 45 degrees north latitude. New York assigned the land gained to Albany County
Albany County, New York
Albany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, and is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name is from the title of the Duke of York and Albany, who became James II of England . As of the 2010 census, the population was 304,204...
. On March 12, 1772 Albany County was partitioned to create Charlotte County
Charlotte County, Province of New York
Charlotte County was a county in the colonial Province of New York in the British American colonies. It was created from Albany County on March 24, 1772. The county was named for Charlotte, Princess Royal, oldest daughter and fourth child of George III of the United Kingdom. Its boundaries extended...
, and this situation remained until Vermont's independence from New York and Britain.
Washington County was originally established as Jefferson County in 1810 from parts of Caledonia County, Chittenden County, and Orange County. In 1814, it was renamed Washington County.
Cities, towns, and villages
- Barre (City)
- Barre (Town)Barre (town), VermontBarre is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 7,924 at the 2010 census. Barre town almost completely surrounds Barre city, which is incorporated separately from the town of Barre.-Geography:...
- Graniteville-East BarreGraniteville-East Barre, VermontGraniteville-East Barre is a former census-designated place defined for the 2000 census in the town of Barre, Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population of the CDP was 2,136 at the 2000 census. The CDP consists of three unincorporated villages in the town: Graniteville, East...
(a census-designated placeCensus-designated placeA census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
of Barre) - South BarreSouth Barre, VermontSouth Barre is a census-designated place in the town of Barre in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,242 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
(a census-designated place of Barre) - Websterville (a village of Barre)
- Graniteville-East Barre
- BerlinBerlin, VermontBerlin is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,864 at the 2000 census. Being the town between Barre, Vermont and Montpelier, Vermont, the two largest cities in the region, much of the commercial business of the region can be found in Berlin, including parts of...
- Cabot
- CabotCabot (village), VermontCabot Village is a village in the town of Cabot in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 239 at the 2000 census. Cabot Village contains a village store, hardware store, post office, public school , an inn, a fraternal hall, a church, and a restaurant...
(a village of Cabot)
- Cabot
- CalaisCalais, VermontCalais is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,529 at the 2000 census. Calais is pronounced similarly to palace, not chalet...
- DuxburyDuxbury, VermontDuxbury is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,289 at the 2000 census. It claims to be the only municipality in the United States which has an elected position of dogcatcher.-History:...
- East MontpelierEast Montpelier, VermontEast Montpelier is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,578 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.1 square miles , of which 32.0 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
- FaystonFayston, VermontFayston is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,141 at the 2000 census.-History:The town was chartered in 1788 and sold to a speculator. The town was organized in 1805. This town has produced many greats such as Sir Samuel Luke Brown...
- MarshfieldMarshfield (town), VermontMarshfield is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,496 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.4 square miles , of which 43.1 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is...
- Marshfield VillageMarshfield (village), VermontMarshfield is a village in the town of Marshfield in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 262 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- Marshfield Village
- MiddlesexMiddlesex, VermontMiddlesex is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,729 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 39.9 square miles , of which, 39.7 square miles of it is land and 0.2 square miles of...
- MontpelierMontpelier, VermontMontpelier is a city in the U.S. state of Vermont that serves as the state capital and the shire town of Washington County. As the capital of Vermont, Montpelier is the site of the Vermont State House, seat of the legislative branch of Vermont government. The population was 7,855 at the 2010...
- MoretownMoretown, VermontMoretown is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,653 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.2 square miles , of which 40.1 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
- Northfield
- Northfield VillageNorthfield (village), VermontNorthfield is a village in the town of Northfield in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 3,208 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- Northfield Village
- PlainfieldPlainfield, VermontPlainfield is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,286 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Plainfield is located at ....
- RoxburyRoxbury, VermontRoxbury is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States, created by Vermont charter on August 6, 1781. The population was 691 at the 2010 census, an increase of 20.0% over the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- WaitsfieldWaitsfield, VermontWaitsfield is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,659 at the 2000 census. It was created by Vermont charter on February 25, 1782...
- WarrenWarren, VermontWarren is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,681 at the 2000 census. The center of population of Vermont is located in Warren. It is set between the two ranges of the Green Mountains, with approximately 25% of the town under Green Mountain National Forest...
- WaterburyWaterbury, VermontWaterbury is a town in Washington County in central Vermont, in the United States. It is also the name of a village within that town. The population was 4,915 at the 2000 census.-Economy:-Industry:...
- Waterbury VillageWaterbury (village), VermontWaterbury is a village in the town of Waterbury in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,706 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- Waterbury Village
- WoodburyWoodbury, VermontWoodbury is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 809 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 39.1 square miles , of which 37.8 square miles is land and 1.3 square miles is water...
- WorcesterWorcester, VermontWorcester is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 902 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.8 square miles , of which 38.8 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
See also
- List of counties in Vermont
- List of towns in Vermont
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Vermont