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Derby

city

Derby, Vermont, located in Orleans County, is the most populous community in the county. The town is situated in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, bordering the Canadian province of Quebec. Derby offers a blend of rural charm and modern conveniences, attracting those seeking a balance between a peaceful lifestyle and access to essential services. Derby's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly maple sugaring and dairy production. Today, the town serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding area, with retail and service businesses along Route 5. The Community National Bank headquarters is also located in Derby, contributing to the local economy. Derby is distinctive for its location along the international border and its rich history. It is home to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a unique landmark that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. The town also boasts a Civil War monument in Derby Center, recognized as the oldest community memorial to that war in the United States.

Derby, Vermont

Overview
Classification
Town
FIPS Code
50-17350
Country
United States
County
Orleans County
Geography
Region
Northeast Kingdom
Elevation
1,007 ft
Total Area
57.6 sq mi
Land Area
49.6 sq mi
Water Area
8 sq mi
Latitude
44.967
Longitude
-72.133
Climate
The climate in this region typically features warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Notable Features
Lake Memphremagog · Lake Salem · Clyde Pond · Clyde River
Neighboring Areas
Holland · Morgan · Charleston · Coventry · Brownington · Newport
Demographics
Population (2020)
4,579
Est. Population (2023)
5,387
Median Age
44
Median Income
$67,321
Poverty Rate
5.72%
Family Households
59.2%
Owner-Occupied
83.2%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The population is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), with smaller percentages of Black or African American, and other races.
Governance
Government Type
Unknown
Governing Body
Unknown
School District
Derby School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works
Economy
Unemployment Rate
Unknown
Economic Profile
Commercial hub · Residential
Employment Sectors
Public Administration · Manufacturing · Retail Trade
Major Employers
Community National Bank
Education
Schools
1
Students
508
Teachers
41
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Graduation Rate
Unknown
School Districts
Derby School District
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate 91 · U.S. Route 5 · Vermont Route 105 · Vermont Route 111 · Vermont Route 191
Utilities
Unknown
Major Facilities
None
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Lake Memphremagog · Lake Salem · Clyde Pond · Memphremagog Trails & Bike Path
Parks & Trails
Memphremagog Trails & Bike Path · Veterans' Memorial Park
History
Founded
1779
Incorporated
1788
Named After
Derby, England
Historical Significance
Derby has played a significant role in the history of Orleans County, from its early agricultural economy to its current status as a commercial center. Its location on the Canadian border has also given it a unique cultural identity.
Key Events
Chartered to Timothy Andrus and associates · Annexation of Salem · Construction of Civil War monument in 1866 · Part of Derby merged with Newport in 1917