Addison County, Vermont

Addison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of the 2010 census, the population was 36,821.[1] Its shire town (county seat) is the town of Middlebury.[2]

Addison County
U.S. county
Addison County courthouse in Middlebury
Location within the U.S. state of Vermont
Vermont's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°01′58″N 73°10′05″W
Country United States
State Vermont
Founded1785
Shire TownMiddlebury
Largest townMiddlebury
Area
 • Total808 sq mi (2,090 km2)
 • Land766 sq mi (1,980 km2)
 • Water41 sq mi (110 km2)  5.1%%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total36,821
 • Estimate 
(2019)
36,777
 • Density46/sq mi (18/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitewww.addisoncounty.com

History

Iroquois settled in the county before European arrived in 1609. French settlers in Crown Point, New York extended their settlements across Lake Champlain. A few individuals or families came up the lake from Canada and established themselves at Chimney Point in 1730. In 1731, Fort Frederic was erected at Cross Point. In 1759, General Amherst occupied Cross Point and British settlers came in. The Battle of Bennington in Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777, brought a turning point for the American independence against British.

Addison County was established by act of the Legislature October 18, 1785,[3] during the period of Vermont Republic. In 1791, Vermont joined the federal union after the original thirteen colonies. The main product of the county was wheat. In the 1820s farmers began to raise sheep. The Champlain Canal was opened on 1823, making it possible for ships to navigate from the Hudson River. In 1840, the county produced more wool than any other county in the United States.[3]

When Vermont was admitted into the Union in 1791, there were 9,267 people living in Addison County. By 1830, the population had grown to 26,503 people.

In 2008, the federal government declared the county a disaster area after severe storms and flooding June 14–17.[4]

Geography
Lake Dunmore is located in Salisbury and Leicester, entirely within Addison County.
Eastern view from Vermont Route 17 in Addison of Snake Mountain (right) and Mount Abraham (center).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 808 square miles (2,090 km2), of which 766 square miles (1,980 km2) is land and 41 square miles (110 km2) (5.1%) is water.[5] It is the third-largest county in Vermont by total area.

The county of Addison is situated on the west line of Vermont state and nearly in the center north and south; between 43° 50′ and 44° 10′ north latitude. The primary stream of the county is Otter Creek, which runs through the county from the south to the north.

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
17906,420—
180013,417109.0%
181019,99849.0%
182020,4692.4%
183024,94021.8%
184023,583−5.4%
185026,54912.6%
186024,010−9.6%
187023,484−2.2%
188024,1732.9%
189022,277−7.8%
190021,912−1.6%
191020,010−8.7%
192018,666−6.7%
193017,952−3.8%
194017,9440.0%
195019,4428.3%
196020,0763.3%
197024,26620.9%
198029,40621.2%
199032,95312.1%
200035,9749.2%
201036,8212.4%
Est. 201936,777[6]−0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2018[1]

2000 census

At the 2000 census,[11] there were 35,974 people, 13,068 households and 9,108 families living in the county. The population density was 47 per square mile (18/km2). There were 15,312 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.86% White, 0.54% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 1.10% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.5% were of English, 12.7% American, 12.0% French, 10.8% French Canadian, 10.8% Irish and 6.7% German ancestry. 96.0% spoke English, 1.8% French and 1.2% Spanish as their first language.

There were 13,068 households of which 34.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 8.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.02.

Age distribution was 24.90% under the age of 18, 12.50% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The median household income was $43,142, and the median family income was $49,351. Males had a median income of $31,836 versus $24,416 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,539. About 5.10% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.10% of those under age 18 and 8.00% of those age 65 or over.

For historical populations since 1900, see Historical U.S. Census totals for Addison County, Vermont

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 36,821 people, 14,084 households, and 9,340 families living in the county.[12] The population density was 48.0 inhabitants per square mile (18.5/km2). There were 16,760 housing units at an average density of 21.9 per square mile (8.5/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 95.3% white, 1.4% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.9% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 18.1% were English, 17.2% were Irish, 12.0% were German, 7.5% were American, 7.2% were French Canadian, 5.9% were Italian, and 5.3% were Scottish.[14]

Of the 14,084 households, 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.7% were non-families, and 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.88. The median age was 41.3 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $55,800 and the median income for a family was $67,721. Males had a median income of $43,643 versus $34,486 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,599. About 5.7% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Politics

In 1828, the county voted for National Republican Party candidate John Quincy Adams.

In 1832, the county voted for Anti-Masonic Party candidate William Wirt.

From William Henry Harrison in 1836 to Winfield Scott in 1852, the state would vote the Whig Party candidates.

From John C. Frémont in 1856 to Richard Nixon in 1960, the Republican Party would have a 104-year winning streak in the county.

In 1964, the county was won by Democratic Party incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson, who became not only the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the county, but to win the state of Vermont entirely.

Following the Democrats victory in 1964, the county went back to voting for Republican candidates for another 16 year winning streak starting with Richard Nixon in 1968 and ending with Ronald Reagan in 1984, who became the last Republican presidential candidate to win the county.

In 1988 the county was won by Michael Dukakis and has been won by Democratic candidates ever since.

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 27.8% 5,297 59.0% 11,219 13.2% 2,515
2012 29.1% 5,203 68.4% 12,257 2.5% 450
2008 29.5% 5,667 68.6% 13,202 1.9% 369
2004 38.1% 7,077 60.0% 11,147 1.9% 355
2000 39.9% 6,953 51.3% 8,936 8.8% 1,538
1996 31.1% 4,798 52.8% 8,164 16.1% 2,491
1992 29.6% 5,034 47.5% 8,092 22.9% 3,900
1988 49.1% 6,773 49.2% 6,791 1.7% 233
1984 58.3% 7,589 40.7% 5,299 1.1% 137
1980 44.9% 5,216 37.4% 4,351 17.7% 2,063
1976 56.5% 5,726 41.1% 4,164 2.4% 241
1972 66.0% 6,467 33.3% 3,262 0.7% 71
1968 60.8% 5,006 35.4% 2,914 3.7% 308
1964 42.4% 3,500 57.6% 4,758
1960 65.0% 5,520 35.0% 2,969
1956 78.2% 5,990 21.8% 1,668
1952 78.2% 6,057 21.5% 1,667 0.3% 24
1948 70.7% 4,148 27.5% 1,615 1.8% 106
1944 66.3% 4,097 33.6% 2,079 0.1% 8
1940 63.2% 4,500 36.4% 2,593 0.4% 25
1936 65.9% 5,161 33.8% 2,646 0.3% 24
1932 62.8% 5,295 36.0% 3,031 1.2% 102
1928 72.1% 5,247 27.5% 2,003 0.4% 28
1924 87.7% 4,927 9.9% 557 2.4% 135
1920 88.9% 4,515 9.9% 503 1.2% 59
1916 74.7% 2,765 23.6% 874 1.7% 64
1912 45.3% 1,835 15.3% 621 39.3% 1,591
1908 84.4% 2,986 12.6% 444 3.0% 107
1904 87.2% 3,146 10.1% 366 2.7% 96
1900 86.4% 3,286 12.3% 467 1.3% 50
1896 89.2% 4,314 8.4% 404 2.5% 120
1892 80.7% 3,146 15.9% 621 3.3% 130
1888 82.8% 4,036 12.7% 618 4.6% 222
1884 81.2% 4,878 14.0% 600 4.8% 204
1880 85.7% 3,842 13.1% 585 1.2% 55

Education
Middlebury College is located in Addison County.

Addison County has the following high schools:

Addison County is also home to two institutions of higher learning, Middlebury College and the Community College of Vermont, both located in Middlebury[17]

Transportation

Air

The Middlebury State Airport serves private aviation for Addison County. Commercial airlines are available to the north at Burlington International Airport in Chittenden County, and to the south at Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport in Rutland County.

Public Transportation

Public bus service in Addison County is operated by Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR). There is extensive bus service around Middlebury with connections to Vergennes, New Haven and Bristol, seasonal service to Middlebury Snow Bowl, as well as commuter buses to Burlington and Rutland operated in conjunction with Green Mountain Transit and the Marble Valley Regional Transit District, respectively.[18]

Although the majority of rides are provided through the Shuttle Bus System, ACTR also operates a Dial-A-Ride System. This system enhances ACTR's ability to provide comprehensive transportation alternatives for all Addison County residents.[19]

The Dial-A-Ride System includes programs that focus on specialized populations including elders, persons with disabilities, low-income families and individuals, as well as the visually impaired. Those eligible for Medicaid, Reach Up, are aged 60+ or with a disability may be eligible for free transportation. Nearly 40 Volunteer Drivers work with ACTR to provide these rides. Additional information about ACTR's transportation services are available at www.actr-vt.org.[20]

In 2021 or 2022 Amtrak is set to bring the Ethan Allen Express, for Burlington to New York City service through the county, making a stop at Middlebury.[21] This would mark the first time intercity train service operated through the county since the Rutland Railroad discontinued the Green Mountain Flyer and the Mount Royal.[22]

Major highways

Communities

City

Towns

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated communities

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. Samuel Swift (1859). History of Addison county. A. H. Coperland.
  4. Sutkoski, Matt (August 1, 2008). Summer has been wet one for the ages. Burlington Free Press.
  5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  6. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  7. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  8. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  9. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  10. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  11. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  12. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  13. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  14. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  15. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  16. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  17. Education in Addison County, Vermont. Addisoncounty.com. Retrieved on April 12, 2014.
  18. ACTR Bus Schedules & Maps, Addison County Transit Resources, Dec. 1, 2017.
  19. ACTR Dial-A-Ride, Addison County Transit Resources, Dec. 1, 2017.
  20. ACTR Bus Schedules & Maps brochure
  21. Flowers, John (2018-04-30). "Middlebury begins search for passenger rail platform". Addison County Independent.
  22. Lindsell, Robert M. (2000). The Rail Lines of Northern New England. Branch Line Press. pp. 35–46, 175. ISBN 0942147065.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.