Montpelier is the capital of the U.S. state of Vermont and the county seat of Washington County. Known for its lively downtown driven by the activity of state government, Montpelier is the site of the Vermont State House, visible from the outskirts of town, is located on State Street on the west side of downtown. The Winooski River flows along the south edge of downtown and is fed by several smaller tributaries that cut through residential districts.
Along with Barre, the city forms a small metropolitian area in the center of the state. As of the 2000 Census, it was the least-populous state capital, with a population of 8035. It is famously the only state capital without a McDonald's franchise, and home to the last remaining clothespin manufacturer in the United States. Processing granite, mainly from the quarries in nearby Barre is a major part of the city's economic activity; timber was once a large industry in the region in the 19th century but has largely declined. The city is also home to the New England Culinary Institute and the headquarters offices of several insurance companies.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.6 km2 (10.3 mi2). 26.5 km2 (10.2 mi2) of it is land and 0.10% is water.
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 8,035 people, 3,739 households, and 1,940 families residing in the city. The population density is 302.7/km2 (784.0/mi2). There are 3,899 housing units at an average density of 146.9/km2 (380.4/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 96.55% White, 0.65% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,739 households out of which 26.0% have children under the age of 18 years living with them, 38.5% are married couples living together, 10.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 48.1% are non-families. 39.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.09 and the average family size is 2.84.
In the city the population is spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $37,513, and the median income for a family is $51,818. Males have a median income of $35,957 versus $29,442 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,599. 9.8% of the population and 7.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Source:
Montpelier, VT
HOTELS • REAL ESTATE • JOBS