The town arose in a large plain on the west side of the Connecticut River, above the mouth of Sacketts Brook. A falls on the brook provided water power for early mills, and it is around that point that the main village was formed. Because the town did not have abundant sources of water power, it was largely bypassed by the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century, and remained largely rural in character. The village's character is defined by the Federal and Greek Revival styles popular during its most significant period of growth, the late 18th to mid-19th century.[5]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.4 km2), of which 26.76 square miles (69.4 km2) is land and 0.04% is water. Putney Mountain is the highest point in the town, rising 1,657 ft above sea level.[7]
As of the 2000 census[1] there were 2,634 people, 958 households, and 603 families residing in the town. The population density was 98.3 people per square mile (37.9/km2). There were 1,049 housing units at an average density of 39.1 per square mile (15.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 95.63% White, 1.03% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.
There were 958 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 16.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $40,346, and the median income for a family was $50,170. Males had a median income of $29,922 versus $25,217 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,576. About 6.2% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
The Grammar School is an independent day school serving Preschool through Grade 8 with an emphasis on nature-based curriculum.
The Putney School is a private independent co-educational boarding and day high school.
Landmark College is the first college exclusively for students with learning disabilities.
The Greenwood School is a boarding school for boys in grades 6–12 who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and/or related language-based learning disabilities.[8]
Putney Central School is the town's public school for Pre-K through grade 8
![120 Main Street was built c. 1835 in the Greek Revival style[5]](File:120_Main_Street,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
![The former Putney Federated Church, built in 1841,[10] now houses Next Stage Arts and the Putney Historical Society](File:Next_Stage,_former_Putney_Federated_Church,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
![Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, formerly the Putney Methodist Church, built in 1842[5]](File:Our_Lady_of_Mercy_Roman_Catholic_Church,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
![Putney Town Hall, built in 1871[5]](File:Putney_Town_Hall.jpg)
![Putney Community Center, built in 1884 as the Putney Baptist Church[5]](File:Putney_Community_Center,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
![Putney General Store, built 1840–1900[5]](File:Putney_General_Store.jpg)
![79 Main Street was built c. 1905[5]](File:79_Main_Street,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
![Sandglass Puppet Theater was built in 1915 as a livery stable[5]](File:Sandglass_Theater,_Putney,_Vermont.jpg)
