There is one unique ZIP code in Fairlee, Vermont and it is 05045. Area code: 802.
1
ZIP codes
43.14
sq mi land
1.72
sq mi water
802
area code
Fairlee, VT ZIP code map
About Fairlee, VT
Fairlee is a small town nestled in Orange County, Vermont, served by a single ZIP code, 05045. Situated along the Connecticut River in the Upper Valley region, Fairlee offers a quintessential New England atmosphere with a close-knit community and scenic natural surroundings. The town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers drawn to its lakeside camps, forested hills, and charming village center.
Location & geography
Fairlee is located in eastern Vermont along the Connecticut River, which forms the natural border with New Hampshire, placing it directly across from Orford, New Hampshire. The town encompasses 43.14 square miles of land and 1.72 square miles of water, with Lake Morey being the most prominent body of water and a defining feature of the local landscape. Nearby communities include Bradford, Vermont, approximately 9 miles to the north, and Thetford, Vermont, roughly 10 miles to the south, with White River Junction about 25 miles to the southwest.
Community & economy
Fairlee has the character of a quintessential rural New England town, where outdoor recreation, summer camps, and small-scale agriculture shape daily life. Lake Morey draws seasonal residents and tourists, supporting local businesses such as the historic Lake Morey Resort, while the broader economy relies on a mix of small businesses, farming, and employment in the regional Upper Valley hub centered around White River Junction and Lebanon, New Hampshire. Residents enjoy a quiet pace of life with access to local schools, community events, and the natural amenities of the surrounding Green Mountain foothills.
Transportation
Fairlee is conveniently accessed via Interstate 91, which runs along the Connecticut River corridor and connects the town northward to St. Johnsbury and southward to White River Junction and beyond. U.S. Route 5 passes directly through the town, serving as the main local artery linking Fairlee to neighboring communities along the river valley. The nearest commercial airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport in Lebanon, New Hampshire, approximately 20 miles to the south, while Burlington International Airport offers full commercial service roughly 90 miles to the northwest.
History
Fairlee was chartered in 1761 and developed as an agricultural and river-trade community during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, benefiting from its position along the Connecticut River. The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century helped connect Fairlee to broader regional markets and spurred modest commercial growth in the village. Over time, the town became known for its summer camps along Lake Morey, a tradition that has persisted for well over a century and remains central to the town's identity.
Did you know?
Lake Morey is home to one of Vermont's oldest and most beloved resorts, the Lake Morey Resort, which has welcomed guests for generations and remains a year-round destination. Fairlee is also notable for hosting some of the earliest organized summer camps in New England, a legacy that continues today with several long-running camps still operating along the lake's shores.
