Plainfield, Vermont
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Image:Plainfield vt highlight.png Plainfield is a town located in Washington County, Vermont. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,286.
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Geography
Plainfield is located at 44°16'41" North, 72°25'37" West.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 54.5 km² (21.0 mi²). 54.4 km² (21.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.19% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 1,286 people, 487 households, and 317 families residing in the town. The population density was 23.6/km² (61.2/mi²). There were 520 housing units at an average density of 9.6/km² (24.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.42% White, 0.78% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 487 households out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $42,813. Males had a median income of $30,789 versus $29,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,980. 10.9% of the population and 7.6% of families were below the poverty line. 9.2% of those under the age of 18 and 17.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Culture
Although Plainfield is similar to many other rural New England towns by the numbers (size, population, etc.) it has a distinct flair which sets it apart from most surrounding communities. Goddard College attracts a Liberal, educated population that makes up a significant portion of the townspeople. Goddard graduates Phish have had a lasting influence on the cultural history of Plainfield as well. The town has two restaurants, both high-quality and very casual, located in the village center neighboring each other (Southern BBQ and NY-style pizza respectively). The village also has a community food co-op, a modest art gallery, and a used bookstore all within several hundred feet of each other. Plainfield's atmosphere is distinct from popular tourist destinations in Vermont like Stowe, VT and Woodstock, VT in that its commercial activity is generated primarily from local residents.
Notable residents
- Piers Anthony, writer in the science fiction and fantasy genres, attended college here.
- Mary Azarian, woodcut artist and children's book illustrator.
- William H. Macy, actor, teacher, and director, in theatre, film, and television, attended college here.
- David Mamet, playwright, screenwriter, director, poet, essayist and novelist, attended college here.
- Page McConnell, pianist/organist/keyboardist for Phish, attended college here.
- Dennis Murphy, composer, musician, instrument maker and artist.
- Willis J. Pratt, musician and local celebrity, attended college here and currently resides.
- Archie Shepp, jazz saxophonist, attended college here.
External links
- WGDR - Goddard College Radio Station
- Institute for Social Ecology
- Template:Geolinks-US-cityscale
| Image:Flag of Vermont.svg | State of Vermont Constitution | Towns | History | Music |
|---|---|
| State Capital | |
| Regions |
Champlain Valley | Green Mountains | Mount Mansfield | Northeast Kingdom |
| Towns | For a list of the towns in Vermont, see this listing of Vermont towns. |
| Cities |
Barre City | Burlington | Montpelier | Newport City | Rutland City | South Burlington | St. Albans City | Vergennes | Winooski |
| Counties |
Addison | Bennington | Caledonia | Chittenden | Essex | Franklin | Grand Isle | Lamoille | Orange | Orleans | Rutland | Washington | Windham | Windsor |
