List of Counties in Vermont
Vermont has 14 counties. The most populous counties are Chittenden County (Burlington), Rutland County, Washington County (Montpelier), Windsor County, Franklin County, Bennington County, Windham County, Addison County, Orange County, and Caledonia County. Chittenden County, home to Burlington, is by far the largest in population and serves as the state’s economic hub. The rest of Vermont’s counties are more rural, with many focused on agriculture, small industries, and tourism in the Green Mountains and along the state’s scenic countryside.
List of All Counties in Vermont
- Addison County, Vermont
- Bennington County, Vermont
- Caledonia County, Vermont
- Chittenden County, Vermont
- Essex County, Vermont
- Franklin County, Vermont
- Grand Isle County, Vermont
- Lamoille County, Vermont
- Orange County, Vermont
- Orleans County, Vermont
- Rutland County, Vermont
- Washington County, Vermont
- Windham County, Vermont
- Windsor County, Vermont
Largest Counties in Vermont
1. Windsor County
Overview
Windsor County is the largest county in Vermont by land area, covering 977 square miles. It is located in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by Orange County to the north, Windham County to the south, and the Connecticut River, which forms the border with New Hampshire, to the east. Windsor County was established in 1781 and played a pivotal role in Vermont’s early history, being the birthplace of the Vermont Constitution in 1777 at the Old Constitution House in Windsor. The county’s geography includes both mountainous terrain and fertile river valleys. Tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing contribute to Windsor County’s economy, with popular attractions such as the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 56,000
- County Seat: Woodstock
- Major Airports: Hartness State Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 91, U.S. Highway 4, U.S. Highway 5
2. Orleans County
Overview
Orleans County is located in the northern part of Vermont and spans 721 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. It is bordered by Canada to the north, Essex County to the east, and Caledonia County to the south. Orleans County was established in 1792 and is named after the French city of Orléans in recognition of the United States’ alliance with France during the Revolutionary War. The county’s landscape is dominated by the Green Mountains and Lake Memphremagog, a popular destination for fishing and boating. Orleans County has a strong agricultural tradition, with dairy farming playing a prominent role. It is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 27,000
- County Seat: Newport
- Major Airports: Newport State Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 91, U.S. Highway 5, Vermont Route 14
3. Rutland County
Overview
Rutland County, located in southwestern Vermont, covers 945 square miles. It is bordered by Addison County to the north, Bennington County to the south, and New York to the west. Established in 1781, Rutland County was named after Rutland, Massachusetts, from where many early settlers originated. The county has a diverse geography, with the Taconic Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Lake Bomoseen, Vermont’s largest lake entirely within the state, is located in Rutland County. The economy has historically been based on agriculture, marble quarrying, and manufacturing. Today, tourism is a key sector, with attractions like Killington Ski Resort and the Vermont Marble Museum drawing visitors.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 59,000
- County Seat: Rutland
- Major Airports: Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 4, U.S. Highway 7, Vermont Route 30
4. Caledonia County
Overview
Caledonia County is located in the northeastern part of Vermont, covering 658 square miles. It is bordered by Orleans County to the north, Essex County to the east, and Lamoille County to the west. The county was established in 1792 and was named after the Latin name for Scotland, reflecting the Scottish heritage of many early settlers. Caledonia County’s geography is defined by rolling hills, forests, and the Passumpsic River, which flows through the county. The economy has traditionally been centered on agriculture, logging, and small-scale manufacturing. Today, Caledonia County is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Kingdom Trails, a renowned mountain biking network, and Burke Mountain for skiing.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 30,000
- County Seat: St. Johnsbury
- Major Airports: Caledonia County State Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 91, U.S. Highway 5, U.S. Highway 2
5. Windham County
Overview
Windham County is located in the southeastern corner of Vermont and covers 798 square miles. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east along the Connecticut River, and Bennington County to the west. Windham County was one of Vermont’s original counties, established in 1781. It is known for its hilly, forested terrain and vibrant arts community. Brattleboro, the largest town in the county, has a rich cultural history and serves as a hub for commerce and tourism. Agriculture, forestry, and tourism are major contributors to the local economy, with attractions like Mount Snow and numerous craft breweries drawing visitors. The county is also notable for its progressive values and artistic community.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 43,000
- County Seat: Newfane
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: Interstate 91, U.S. Highway 5, Vermont Route 9
6. Bennington County
Overview
Bennington County, located in the southwestern corner of Vermont, spans 676 square miles. It is bordered by New York to the west and Massachusetts to the south. Bennington County was established in 1779 and named after Bennington, Vermont, which itself was named after colonial governor Benning Wentworth. The county’s geography includes the Taconic Range and part of the Green Mountains, offering scenic landscapes and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Bennington and Manchester are the county’s primary economic centers, with a focus on tourism, arts, and small-scale manufacturing. Bennington County also has a rich Revolutionary War history, with the Battle of Bennington being a significant event in the American Revolution.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 36,000
- County Seat: Bennington
- Major Airports: William H. Morse State Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 7, Vermont Route 9, Vermont Route 7A
7. Addison County
Overview
Addison County, located in the west-central part of Vermont, covers 770 square miles. It is bordered by Lake Champlain to the west and Chittenden County to the north. The county was established in 1785 and named after Joseph Addison, an English essayist and politician. Addison County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in dairy farming and apple orchards. The landscape features a mix of rolling hills, farmland, and lakefront along Lake Champlain. Middlebury, home to Middlebury College, is the cultural and economic center of the county. In addition to agriculture, tourism, and education are key industries in Addison County, with visitors attracted to its picturesque villages and outdoor activities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 37,000
- County Seat: Middlebury
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 7, Vermont Route 22A, Vermont Route 30
8. Essex County
Overview
Essex County, located in the northeastern corner of Vermont, is the most sparsely populated county in the state, covering 675 square miles. It is bordered by Canada to the north and New Hampshire to the east. Essex County was established in 1792 and is named after Essex, England. The county’s landscape is dominated by the rugged and forested terrain of the Northeast Kingdom, with the Connecticut River forming its eastern boundary. Historically, logging and forestry were the primary industries, and while these sectors still play a role, tourism has become increasingly important. Essex County offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling, particularly in the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 6,000
- County Seat: Guildhall
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 2, Vermont Route 114, Vermont Route 102
9. Lamoille County
Overview
Lamoille County is located in the north-central part of Vermont, covering 464 square miles. It is bordered by Franklin County to the northwest, Orleans County to the northeast, and Washington County to the south. Lamoille County was established in 1835, named after the Lamoille River, which flows through the region. The county is known for its mountainous terrain, particularly Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Tourism is a major industry in Lamoille County, with the popular ski resorts of Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch attracting visitors year-round. The economy also benefits from small-scale agriculture and a growing craft beverage industry, including breweries and distilleries.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 26,000
- County Seat: Hyde Park
- Major Airports: Morrisville-Stowe State Airport
- Major Highways: Vermont Route 15, Vermont Route 100
10. Orange County
Overview
Orange County, located in central Vermont, covers 692 square miles. It is bordered by Windsor County to the south, Washington County to the north, and the Connecticut River to the east. Orange County was established in 1781 and named after William of Orange, the King of England. The county’s geography consists of a mix of hills, rivers, and agricultural land. Farming, particularly dairy and maple syrup production, has long been a staple of the local economy. The county also has a number of small manufacturing businesses and a growing tourism sector, with visitors drawn to the scenic beauty and historical charm of its towns and villages.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 29,000
- County Seat: Chelsea
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: Interstate 89, U.S. Highway 302, Vermont Route 110