Essex County, Vermont
Encyclopedia
Essex County is the county located in the northeastern part
of the U.S. state
of Vermont
. As of 2010, the population was 6,306, making it the least-populous county in both Vermont and New England
. Its shire town is Guildhall
.
Essex County is part of the Berlin
, NH
–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area
.
, the county has a total area of 674 square miles (1,745.7 km²), of which 665 square miles (1,722.3 km²) is land and 9 square miles (23.3 km²) (1.27%) is water.
Vermont was divided into two counties in March, 1778. In 1781 the legislature divided the northernmost county, Cumberland, into three counties: Windham and Windsor, located about where they are now. The northern remainder was called Orange county. This latter tract nearly corresponded with the old New York county of Gloucester, organized by that province March 16, 1770, with Newbury as the shire town.
On September 3, 1783, as a result of the signing of the Treaty of Paris
, the Revolutionary War ended with Great Britain
recognizing the independence of the United States. Vermont's border with Quebec was established at 45 degrees north latitude.
On November 5, 1792, the legislature divided Chittenden and Orange counties into six separate counties, as follows: Chittenden, Orange, Franklin, Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans. No reason is given for the county being named after the county of Essex
in England.
In 1999, a group of investors bought 86212 acres (34,888.8 ha) from Champion International Paper
for $7.5 million, covering parts of fourteen towns in the county. The state of Vermont and the Freeman Foundation purchased easements for $8.5 million to guarantee traditional uses of the land for logging and recreation. In 2008, Plum Creek Timber
company announced plans to purchase this property.
A murder trial was held at the county courthouse in 1923, which was the last murder trial. In 1973, a non-resident murdered another non-resident. In 2008, two residents died by homicide - the first in 85 years - when police said a young woman was shot by her boyfriend and a 59-year-old man shot his mother.
includes all of Essex County, as well as parts or all of Orleans County
, Franklin County
and Lamoille County. It is represented in the Vermont Senate
by Vincent Illuzzi
(R
) and Robert A. Starr
(D
).
In the 2004 U.S. Presidential election
, Essex County was the only county in Vermont to vote for George W. Bush
, by 10.7% over John Kerry
, who won statewide by a 20.1% advantage.
In 2008
, Essex voted for Barack Obama
by a 14.5% margin over John McCain
, while Obama carried the state by 37%.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 6,459 people, 2,602 households, and 1,805 families residing in the county. The population density
was 10 people per square mile (4/km²). There were 4,762 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.56% White
, 0.17% Black
or African American
, 0.63% Native American
, 0.26% Asian
, 0.23% from other races
, and 2.14% from two or more races. 0.50% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 28.1% were of French
, 23.1% English
, 10.5% American
, 8.8% Irish
and 5.7% French Canadian
ancestry according to Census 2000. 8.87% of the population speak French
at home. http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=50&county_id=9&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&ll=all&a=&ea=&order=r
There were 2,602 households out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples
living together, 8.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 15.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.00 males.
An estimated 1,000 military veterans reside in the county.
for the county was $14,388. About 9.90% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.30% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.
The median wage is the lowest in the state, and that status is expected to continue through 2010.
on housing; i.e., the average household can afford to buy the average house. That said, both figures are the lowest in the state.
and one grant in the county:
* In Vermont, gores and grants
are unincorporated portions of a county which are not part on any town and have limited self-government (if any, as many are uninhabited). Villages are census divisions of towns or cities, but have no separate corporate existence from the municipality they are located in.
Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom is a term used to describe the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Vermont, comprising Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties and having a population of 62,438. In Vermont, the written term "NEK" is often used. The term is attributed to the late George D. Aiken, former...
of the U.S. state
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 6,306, making it the least-populous county in both Vermont and New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
. Its shire town is Guildhall
Guildhall, Vermont
-External links:* http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/sets/72157624844998996/with/4943890976/...
.
Essex County is part of the Berlin
Berlin, New Hampshire
Berlin is a city along the Androscoggin River in Coos County in northern New Hampshire, United States. The population was 10,051 at the 2010 census. It includes the village of Cascade. Located on the edge of the White Mountains, the city's boundaries extend into the White Mountain National Forest...
, NH
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...
–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area
Berlin micropolitan area
The Berlin Micropolitan Statistical Area is the core based statistical area centered on the urban cluster associated with the city Berlin, New Hampshire in the United States...
.
Geography
According to the United States 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 674 square miles (1,745.7 km²), of which 665 square miles (1,722.3 km²) is land and 9 square miles (23.3 km²) (1.27%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Coos County, New HampshireCoos County, New Hampshire-National protected areas:*Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge *Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge *White Mountain National Forest -Demographics:...
- east - Grafton County, New HampshireGrafton County, New HampshireGrafton County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. As of the 2010 census, the population was 89,118. Its county seat is North Haverhill, which is a village within the town of Haverhill. Until 1972, the county courthouse and other offices were located in downtown Woodsville, a...
- south - Caledonia County, VermontCaledonia 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....
- southwest - Orleans County, VermontOrleans County, VermontOrleans County is one of the four northernmost counties in the U.S. state of Vermont. It borders Canada. In 2010, the population was 27,231. Its county seat is Newport. As in the rest of New England, few governmental powers have been granted to the county...
- west - Coaticook Regional County Municipality, QuebecCoaticook Regional County Municipality, QuebecCoaticook is a regional county municipality in southeastern Quebec, Canada. The regional county municipality seat is Coaticook.-History:On September 3, 1783, as a result of the signing of the Treaty of Paris the American Revolutionary War ended with Great Britain...
- north
Fauna
In 2011, there were about 1,000 moose in the county. State officials estimated that this was about the "correct number" for a sustainable herd, with the moose not showing signs of starvation, nor the feeding grounds showing signs of overgrazing.History
Prior to the arrival of colonists of European descent, the local Abenakis has subsisted largely on moose.Vermont was divided into two counties in March, 1778. In 1781 the legislature divided the northernmost county, Cumberland, into three counties: Windham and Windsor, located about where they are now. The northern remainder was called Orange county. This latter tract nearly corresponded with the old New York county of Gloucester, organized by that province March 16, 1770, with Newbury as the shire town.
On September 3, 1783, as a result of the signing of the Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, ended the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain on the one hand and the United States of America and its allies on the other. The other combatant nations, France, Spain and the Dutch Republic had separate agreements; for details of...
, the Revolutionary War ended with Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
recognizing the independence of the United States. Vermont's border with Quebec was established at 45 degrees north latitude.
On November 5, 1792, the legislature divided Chittenden and Orange counties into six separate counties, as follows: Chittenden, Orange, Franklin, Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans. No reason is given for the county being named after the county of Essex
Essex
Essex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
in England.
In 1999, a group of investors bought 86212 acres (34,888.8 ha) from Champion International Paper
Champion International Paper
Champion International Paper was a large paper and wood products producer. In 2000, the company was bought byInternational Paper. Champion had operated since the late 19th century in the USA and other countries....
for $7.5 million, covering parts of fourteen towns in the county. The state of Vermont and the Freeman Foundation purchased easements for $8.5 million to guarantee traditional uses of the land for logging and recreation. In 2008, Plum Creek Timber
Plum Creek Timber
Plum Creek Timber is the largest private landowner in the United States. Most of its lands were originally purchased, or otherwise acquired as timberland....
company announced plans to purchase this property.
A murder trial was held at the county courthouse in 1923, which was the last murder trial. In 1973, a non-resident murdered another non-resident. In 2008, two residents died by homicide - the first in 85 years - when police said a young woman was shot by her boyfriend and a 59-year-old man shot his mother.
Legislators
The Essex-Orleans Senate districtEssex-Orleans Vermont Senate District, 2002-2012
The Essex-Orleans Senate District is one of 13 Vermont Senate districts included in the redistricting and reapportionment plan developed by the Vermont General Assembly following the 2000 U.S. Census. The plan applies to legislatures elected in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. A new plan will be...
includes all of Essex County, as well as parts or all of Orleans County
Orleans County, Vermont
Orleans County is one of the four northernmost counties in the U.S. state of Vermont. It borders Canada. In 2010, the population was 27,231. Its county seat is Newport. As in the rest of New England, few governmental powers have been granted to the county...
, Franklin County
Franklin County, Vermont
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. It is part of the Burlington-South Burlington, VT Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 47,746. Its shire town is the City of St. Albans.-Geography:...
and Lamoille County. It is represented in the Vermont Senate
Vermont Senate
The Vermont Senate is the upper house of the Vermont General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Vermont. The Senate consists of 30 members. Senate districting divides the 30 members into three single-member districts, six two-member districts, three three-member districts, and one...
by Vincent Illuzzi
Vincent Illuzzi
Vincent Illuzzi is an American politician and a Republican member of the Vermont State Senate, representing the Essex-Orleans senate district....
(R
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...
) and Robert A. Starr
Robert A. Starr
Robert A. Starr is an American politician from Vermont who currently serves as a Democratic member of the Vermont State Senate. He has represented the Essex-Orleans senate district since 2004. He had previously spent a quarter-century in the Vermont House of Representatives.-Biography:Robert Starr...
(D
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...
).
Elections
| 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 | 55.9% 1,733 | 41.4% 1,284 |
| 2004 | 43.5% 1,276 | 54.2% 1,591 |
| 2000 | 39.0% 1,129 | 54.1% 1,564 |
In the 2004 U.S. Presidential election
United States presidential election, 2004
The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator...
, Essex County was the only county in Vermont to vote for George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
, by 10.7% over John Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
, who won statewide by a 20.1% advantage.
In 2008
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
, Essex voted for Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
by a 14.5% margin over John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
, while Obama carried the state by 37%.
Demographics
The county hit a peak of 9,511 in 1890. Except for one marked rise in the 1970s, the population has mostly fallen or held steady since.As of the census
Census
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 6,459 people, 2,602 households, and 1,805 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 10 people per square mile (4/km²). There were 4,762 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.56% 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...
, 0.17% 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...
, 0.63% 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...
, 0.26% 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...
, 0.23% 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 2.14% from two or more races. 0.50% 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. 28.1% were of 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...
, 23.1% 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...
, 10.5% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 8.8% 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...
and 5.7% 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...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 8.87% of the population speak 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...
at home. http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=50&county_id=9&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&ll=all&a=&ea=&order=r
There were 2,602 households out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% 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, 8.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 15.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.00 males.
An estimated 1,000 military veterans reside in the county.
Personal income
The median income for a household in the county was $30,490, and the median income for a family was $34,984. Males had a median income of $27,929 versus $20,583 for females. The per capita incomePer 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 $14,388. About 9.90% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.30% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.
The median wage is the lowest in the state, and that status is expected to continue through 2010.
Housing
In 2007, Essex was the only county in the state to have a positive Housing Affordability IndexHousing Affordability Index
A Housing Affordability Index is an index which rates housing affordability.-US:One is published monthly by the National Association of Realtors. Below 100 indicates the median income family would need more than 50 percent of their income to "afford" an entry level home based on housing price and...
on housing; i.e., the average household can afford to buy the average house. That said, both figures are the lowest in the state.
Cities, towns, villages, and unincorporated places*
There are sixteen towns, two goresGore (surveying)
A gore , in parts of the northeastern United States , is an unincorporated area of a county that is not part of any town and has limited self-government ....
and one grant in the county:
- AverillAverill, VermontAverill is an unincorporated town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The town was named for Samuel Averill, a landholder.The town was never formally incorporated having never gained a large enough permanent population. The population was 8 at the 2000 census, having dropped from a high of 20...
- Avery's GoreAverys Gore, VermontAverys Gore is a gore located in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 0 at the 2000 census. In Vermont, gores and grants are unincorporated portions of a county which are not part of any town and have limited self-government .Averys Gore is named for Samuel Avery, a...
* - BloomfieldBloomfield, VermontBloomfield is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 261 as of the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
- BrightonBrighton, VermontBrighton is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,260 at the 2000 census. The town was named Gilead in its original grant in 1780. The town was sold to a group consisting primarily of soldiers commanded by Colonel Joseph Nightingale and subsequently named Random. The...
- Island PondIsland Pond, VermontIsland Pond is a census-designated place in the town of Brighton in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 849 at the 2000 census...
(an unincorporated community of Brighton)
- Island Pond
- BrunswickBrunswick, VermontBrunswick is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The town was named after Prince Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand of Brunswick-Lunenburg. The population was 107 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area. Brunswick is home to six mineral springs that...
- CanaanCanaan, VermontCanaan is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,078 at the 2000 census. Canaan contains the village of Beecher Falls, located at the confluence of the Connecticut River and Halls Stream...
- Beecher Falls, a village in Canaan
- ConcordConcord, VermontConcord is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,196 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area, and contains the villages of North Concord and Miles Pond.- History :...
- East HavenEast Haven, VermontEast Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
- FerdinandFerdinand, VermontFerdinand is an unincorporated town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The town was named for German Prince Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand of Brunswick-Lunenburg....
- GranbyGranby, VermontGranby is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The town was named for the Marquis of Granby. The population was 86 at the 2000 census, making it the least populated incorporated town in the state....
- GuildhallGuildhall, Vermont-External links:* http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/sets/72157624844998996/with/4943890976/...
- Lemington
- LewisLewis, Vermont-External links:*...
- Lunenburg
- Maidstone
- Norton
- VictoryVictory, Vermont-External links:*...
- Warner's GrantWarner's Grant, VermontWarner's Grant, , is a grant located in Essex County, Vermont, United States. At the 2010 Census, the grant had a total population of 0...
* - Warren GoreWarren's Gore, VermontWarren's Gore or Warrens Gore or Warren Gore is a gore in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 10 at the 2000 census...
*
Gore (surveying)
A gore , in parts of the northeastern United States , is an unincorporated area of a county that is not part of any town and has limited self-government ....
are unincorporated portions of a county which are not part on any town and have limited self-government (if any, as many are uninhabited). Villages are census divisions of towns or cities, but have no separate corporate existence from the municipality they are located in.