Chittenden County

Chittenden County
County	Chittenden County
State	Vermont
Founded	1787
Named for	Thomas Chittenden
Seat	Burlington
Largest city	Burlington
Area total sq mi	621
Area land sq mi	539
Area water sq mi	82
Population as of	2020
Population total	168,323
Population density sq mi	312.2
Time zone	Eastern
District	Vermont's at-large congressional district
Website	www.chittendencountyvt.gov

Chittenden County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Vermont, anchored by its principal city of Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain. Established in 1787 and named for Thomas Chittenden, the first Governor of Vermont, it serves as the state's primary economic, educational, and cultural hub. The county is home to major institutions like the University of Vermont and GlobalFoundries, blending historic New England character with modern innovation.

Geography

Chittenden County encompasses 621 square miles in northwestern Vermont, bordered by Lake Champlain to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Major waterways include the Winooski River, which flows through Burlington and Essex Junction before emptying into the lake, and the LaPlatte River. The landscape features the Burlington International Airport, the Interstate 89 corridor, and significant natural areas like the Mount Mansfield foothills and the Sand Bar State Park. The county's terrain transitions from the fertile Champlain Valley to more rugged eastern highlands, containing parts of the Green Mountain National Forest.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, with European settlement beginning in the 18th century under land grants from New Hampshire's Benning Wentworth. Following the American Revolutionary War, in which the area saw action at the Battle of Valcour Island, the county was organized by the Vermont Republic. The 19th century brought growth through the Champlain Canal, the Rutland Railroad, and industries centered on Burlington's waterfront lumber and woolen mills. The 20th century marked a shift with the establishment of IBM in Essex Junction, the expansion of the University of Vermont, and the county's central role in the political careers of figures like Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 168,323, representing over a quarter of Vermont's total residents. The largest municipalities are Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Colchester, and Milton. The county is less racially homogeneous than the state average, with significant populations identifying as Asian American and Hispanic and Latino Americans, partly due to the presence of the University of Vermont and GlobalFoundries. Other population centers include Williston, Shelburne, and Jericho.

Government and politics

The county is governed by a board of commissioners, with administrative functions centered in Burlington. It is part of the Vermont's at-large congressional district and has been a Democratic stronghold in recent decades, supporting presidential candidates like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. Notable political events include the 1981 election of Bernie Sanders as mayor of Burlington and the long tenure of Senator Patrick Leahy. The county also contains the Vermont Air National Guard base at the Burlington International Airport.

Economy

The economy is diversified, with key sectors in advanced manufacturing, led by GlobalFoundries in Essex Junction, and higher education, anchored by the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Burlington is a regional center for healthcare, with the University of Vermont Medical Center, and finance, hosting institutions like National Life Group. Technology firms, tourism linked to Lake Champlain and Stowe Mountain Resort, and agribusiness, including Ben & Jerry's and the Intervale Center, are also significant. The Church Street Marketplace is a major retail destination.

Education

Higher education is dominated by the University of Vermont in Burlington, along with Champlain College, Saint Michael's College in Colchester, and the Community College of Vermont. Primary and secondary education is managed by several supervisory unions, including the Burlington School District and the Champlain Valley School District. Specialized institutions include the Vermont Technical College extension in Williston and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Shelburne.

Transportation

Major highways include Interstate 89, which connects Burlington to Montreal and Boston, and U.S. Route 7. The Burlington International Airport offers commercial service, while public transit is provided by Green Mountain Transit. Rail freight service is operated by the New England Central Railroad and the Vermont Railway. Important bridges span Lake Champlain, such as the Lake Champlain Bridge to New York, and ferry service runs to Port Kent via the Lake Champlain Transportation Company.

Category:Chittenden County, Vermont Category:Vermont counties Category:1787 establishments in Vermont