Overview

Introduction to Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and is located in Washington County. The Winooski River runs along the southern edge of the downtown area. The city is surrounded by granite ridges and numerous hills. Montpelier is recognized as a major center for arts and entertainment for the region.

History

It's been estimated that by 1200 AD large settlements were located all over the area. Europeans entered the region beginning in 1600 and due to war with the Native Americans, the vast majority of the Indian villages were destroyed. Years later the area was chartered as a city in 1781. Montpelier was chosen as the location for the state capital in 1805. The arrival of a railroad during the mid-1800s created a thriving economy. By the year 1925 the city was home to nine granite works which were utilized to refine stone that was extracted from the quarries located in Barre.

The timber industry was thriving in the area during the early portion of the 19th century. In 1927 a powerful flood did enormous damage to the city. The town grew at a slow pace during the late 19th century and the early stages of the 20th century due to citizens migrating west and moving to industrial cities in the New England area.

Transportation

Montpelier is served by Amtrak. Bus services are provided by the Green Mountain Transit Authority. The city is served by the Burlington International Airport which is approximately 35 miles from Montpelier.

Attractions

  • The Vermont State House is an impressive building featuring an attractive gold leaf dome
  • The Vermont Historical Society Museum
  • T.W. Wood Art Gallery is situated in College Hall which is part of the Vermont College campus.
  • Green Mount Cemetery
  • Hubbard Park and Tower offers hiking and skiing trails and an observation tower that provides superb views of the city
  • North Branch Nature Center
  • The Two Rivers Center Farm

Outdoor Activities

The city provides numerous locations for bicycle riding. Canoeing in the Winooski River is a popular activity. The Hubbard and North Branch River Parks provide a large number of trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. Downhill skiing opportunities are located close to the city. Three distinct walking tours showcase the attractive historic buildings located in Montpelier. Visitors enjoy the State Street, Mains Street and the College Street Tours.

Higher Education

The city is home to Vermont College which is associated with Union Institute and University. Woodbury College and the Community College of Vermont are located in Montpelier.

Demographics

People

Total Population7,547
Male Share of the Population45.1%
Female Share of the Population54.9%
Senior Citizens19.5%
Employed Population 16+4,150
Age of the Population44

Families

% of people married42.5%
Average household size2

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher49.2%
Median Earnings25+$45,454
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$16,985
Median Earnings With High School Degree$33,250

Wealth

Median Family Income$88,496
% Above Poverty Level89.7%
% Below Poverty Level10.3%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time19 minutes
% Working from Home8.2%
% Walking and Biking to Work17.3%
% Using Public Transportation2.1%

Housing

People Living Alone41.8%
Median Gross Rent$992
Median House Value$247,600

Ancestry

English23%
Irish19.8%
German13.8%
Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)13.7%
Italian9.2%
French Except Basque8.8%
Scottish6%
Canadian4%
Polish3.6%
Russian2.6%
Norwegian1.9%
Swedish1.7%
African1.4%
Dutch1.3%
Arab1.3%
Welsh1.2%
Lebanese1.2%
Lithuanian0.7%
Ukrainian0.5%
Danishn0.5%
Romanian0.3%
Portuguese0.3%
West Indian0.3%
Hungarian0.3%
Slovak0.3%
Swiss0.2%
Haitian0.2%
Iranian0.2%
Finnish0.2%
Czech0.2%
Greek0.2%
Belizean0.1%
Iraqi0.1%
Austrian0.1%
Croatian0.1%
Latvian0.1%
Cape Verdean0.1%
Belgian0.1%
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Montpelier Almanac

CategoryValue
CountyWashington County
Standard Zip Codes05602
P.O. Box Zip Codes5601
Company Zip Codes5603, 5604, 5620, 5609, 5633
Phone Area Codes802
Time ZoneAmerica/New_York
Approximate Latitude44.26
Approximate Longitude-72.57

Montpelier Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

  • Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
  • Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

StationMONTPELIER AP
Distance4.2 miles
Jan Temp8 to 25 F
Apr Temp32 to 51 F
Jul Temp57 to 78 F
Oct Temp36 to 55 F
Annual Precip35.9 inches
StationMORRISVILLE 4 SSW
Distance18 miles
Jan Temp2 to 25 F
Apr Temp28 to 52 F
Jul Temp54 to 79 F
Oct Temp32 to 56 F
Annual Precip41.4 inches
StationMOUNT MANSFIELD
Distance22.3 miles
Jan Temp1 to 18 F
Apr Temp24 to 39 F
Jul Temp52 to 66 F
Oct Temp31 to 45 F
Annual Precip78.8 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Barre8,711$53,345
Northfield1,945$78,657
Plainfield413$41,862
Waterbury1,748$71,667

Montpelier Public Libraries

Kellogg-hubbard
135 MAIN ST.
Montpelier, Vermont
(802) 223-3338

library logo

More Information for Librarians

Montpelier Hospitals

Central Vermont Medical Center
130 Fisher Rd
(802) 371-4100

Montpelier Public Schools

Main Street School
170 Main Street
ZIP: 5602
(802) 223-3404
Middle
Total Enrollment 185
Montpelier High School
5 High School Drive
ZIP: 5602
(802) 225-8000
High
Total Enrollment 278
U-32 High School (uhsd #32)
930 Gallison Hill Road
ZIP: 5602
(802) 229-0321
High
Total Enrollment 775
Union Elementary School
1 Park Avenue
ZIP: 5602
(802) 223-6343
Primary
Total Enrollment 545

Montpelier Private Schools

River Rock School
46 Barre St
ZIP: 5602
Combined Elementary And Secondary
Total Enrollment 39
The New School Of Montpelier
11 West St
ZIP: 5602
Combined Elementary And Secondary
Total Enrollment 18
Sources :
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Montpelier Colleges
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Historic Montpelier

photo

Kellog i.e. Kellogg-Hubbard Library c1904.

Select a photo to view (Source):

Kellog i.e. Kellogg-Hubbard Library c1904.

State Street and Pavilion Hotel c1904.

Pavilion Hotel 1904 (est.)

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