Washington County, New York

History When counties were established in New York State in 1683, the present Washington County was part of Albany County. This was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of Vermont and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766 by the creation of Cumberland County, and further on March 16, 1770 by the creation of Gloucester County, both containing territory now in Vermont.

On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Charlotte County, contained the eastern portion.

In 1784, the name "Charlotte County" was changed to honor George Washington, the American Revolutionary War general and later President of the United States of America.

In 1788, Clinton County was split off from Washington County. This was a much larger area than the present Clinton County, including several other counties or county parts of the present New York State.

In 1791, the Town of Cambridge was transferred from Albany County to Washington County.

In 1813, Warren County was split off from Washington County.

Geography Washington County is located in the northeastern section of the State. The eastern boundary of Washington County is the New York-Vermont border, part of which is Lake Champlain.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,191 km² (846 mi²). 2,164 km² (835 mi²) of it is land and 27 km² (10 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.23% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 61,042 people, 22,458 households, and 15,787 families residing in the county. The population density is 28/km² (73/mi²). There are 26,794 housing units at an average density of 12/km² (32/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 94.97% White, 2.92% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.84% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. 2.02% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 22,458 households out of which 33.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.20% are married couples living together, 10.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% are non-families. 24.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 105.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 104.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,668, and the median income for a family is $43,500. Males have a median income of $31,537 versus $22,160 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,958. 9.40% of the population and 6.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.30% are under the age of 18 and 7.30% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Argyle[?]
• Cambridge[?]
• Dresden
• Easton
• Fort Ann[?]
• Fort Edward[?]
• Granville[?]
• Greenwich[?]
• Hampton
• Hartford
• Hebron
• Hudson Falls
• Jackson
• Kingsbury
• Putnam
• Salem[?]
• White Creek
• Whitehall[?]