Pownal, Vermont
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Pownal is a town located in Bennington County, Vermont. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,560.
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Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 121.0 km² (46.7 mi²). 120.8 km² (46.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.17% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 3,560 people, 1,373 households, and 1,010 families residing in the town. The population density is 29.5/km² (76.3/mi²). There are 1,563 housing units at an average density of 12.9/km² (33.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.84% White, 0.28% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.42% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,373 households out of which 34.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% are married couples living together, 11.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% are non-families. 19.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 2.95.
In the town the population is spread out with 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $39,149, and the median income for a family is $41,006. Males have a median income of $30,753 versus $24,212 for females. The per capita income for the town is $17,669. 9.6% of the population and 8.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.9% of those under the age of 18 and 1.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Claim to fame
Pownal was formerly the home of Green Mountain Race Track. Opened in 1963, the track offered both thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing until 1976, when thoroughbred racing ceased, being replaced by greyhound racing. One year later standardbred racing was discontinued, and the track thereafter featured only greyhound racing until closing altogether in 1992 amid increasing pressure from animal rights activists, who object to greyhound racing as cruel (Vermont banned the sport in 1995). Since closing as a racetrack, the site has hosted live events occasionally, including a rock concert in the Lollapalooza series in 1996. Attempts have since been made to reopen the track, but in December of 2004 the 144-acre property was purchased by commercial developers who have plans for it which have not yet been finalized, but are believed to include a mix of new homes and small businesses.