Washington County is a county in Vermont, in the United States. At the 2010 census about 59,534 people lived there. Its shire town (the county seat) is the city of Montpelier, which also serves as the state capital and is noted as the least populous state capital in the country.

The county occupies a central position in Vermont and includes a mixture of river valleys, rolling hills and forested uplands that are part of the northern Green Mountains region. The Winooski River and its tributaries cross portions of the county, shaping local settlement and providing corridors for transport and recreation. Land use is a patchwork of small farms, conserved woodlands, residential villages, and compact urban centers clustered along main roads.

Human presence in the area predates European settlement; Native American peoples, principally ancestors of the Abenaki, used the river valleys for travel and seasonal resources. European settlers established farms, mills and later light industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Barre developed a long-standing granite quarrying and stonecraft industry that influenced the county's economy and built environment.

As Vermont's capital county, the public sector is a major employer: state offices and courts are centered in Montpelier and provide many jobs and services. The regional economy also includes education, health care, small manufacturing, forestry, and agricultural activities such as dairy and maple production. Tourism and outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, river paddling and winter sports in nearby uplands—contribute to the local economy.

Communities, government and attractions

  • Montpelier: state government, historic State House, cultural institutions and a compact downtown.
  • Barre and smaller towns: commercial centers, craft and quarry traditions, community facilities.
  • Outdoor recreation: trails, conserved lands and river access for paddling and fishing.
  • Local events and cultural venues that reflect Vermont traditions in arts, food and seasonal celebrations.

Local government in Vermont places significant responsibilities at the town level, while the county and state maintain courts, records and administrative functions in Montpelier. Visitors and residents value Washington County for its combination of civic life, working landscapes and ready access to the natural areas of central Vermont.