Plainfield, Vermont

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Plainfield, Vermont
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Plainfield, Vermont

Plainfield is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,286 at the 2000 census.

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[edit] Geography

Plainfield is located at 44°16′41″N, 72°25′37″W.

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 (0.19%) is water.

[edit] 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, 0.39% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.40% of the population.

There were 487 households out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were couples living together and joined in either marriage or civil union, 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. About 7.6% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] 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 at one time made up a significant portion of the townspeople. Goddard graduates included members of the band Phish. The town has three restaurants, all high-quality and casual. Two are located in the village center neighboring each other (Southern BBQ and NY-style pizza respectively); the third is a quaint cafe, part of a small store, at the edge of the village on US Route 2. 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] External links

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