Wells River ZIP Codes — Orange County, VT

There is one unique ZIP code in Wells River, Vermont and it is 05081. Area code: 802.

ZIP codes

19.46

sq mi land

0.17

sq mi water

802

area code

Wells River, VT ZIP code map

About Wells River, VT

Wells River is a quaint village located in the state of Vermont, specifically within Orange County. Known for its beautiful rural landscapes and small-town charm, Wells River welcomes residents and visitors alike with a serene atmosphere. The village is characterized by its close-knit community and a rich history that adds to its appeal.

Location & geography

Wells River is situated in the northeastern part of Vermont, near the border with New Hampshire. Notable nearby cities include Woodsville, NH, which is approximately 3 miles away, Bradford, VT, about 10 miles distant, and Fairlee, VT, roughly 12 miles away. The village encompasses a total land area of 19.46 square miles, with a small water area of 0.17 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Wells River is defined by its tight-knit community, where residents value a peaceful lifestyle in a picturesque setting. The local economy primarily revolves around agriculture, small businesses, and tourism, attracting visitors looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty. Daily life in Wells River often includes community events, outdoor activities, and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Transportation

Wells River is accessible via several highways, including Vermont Route 5, which runs through the village and facilitates travel to surrounding areas. The nearest named airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, located approximately 25 miles away in New Hampshire. Public transit options may be limited, making personal vehicles the most common mode of transportation.

History

Wells River was established as a settlement in the early 19th century, initially thriving on agriculture and local craftsmanship. Over the years, the village has maintained its historical charm, with several notable events marking its growth and development. Key industries have evolved, allowing Wells River to retain its character as a serene and inviting rural community.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Wells River is its unique location near the confluence of the Connecticut River and the White River, which provides stunning scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally, the village hosts a vibrant local culture, steeped in the traditions of Vermont's rural heritage.

ZIP codes for Wells River, VT (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
05081	Wells River	Orange	View map

Demographics & statistics

553

Population

46.7

Median age

$40,750

Median household income

$26,488

Per capita income

$174,000

Median home value

$788

Median monthly rent

69.2%

Home ownership

22.4%

Poverty rate

6.7%

Unemployment

319

Housing units

20.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	125	22.6%
18 and over	428	77.4%
65 and over	140	25.3%
Median age	46.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 75.5%

Hispanic or Latino 8.4%

Other race 7.6%

Two or more races 4.5%

Asian 2.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.2%

Group	Count	%
White	456	75.5%
Hispanic or Latino	51	8.4%
Other race	46	7.6%
Two or more races	27	4.5%
Asian	17	2.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	7	1.2%

Household income

Under $10k 4.4%

$10k–$15k 9.6%

$15k–$25k 20.0%

$25k–$35k 10.4%

$35k–$50k 8.4%

$50k–$75k 22.8%

$75k–$100k 9.2%

$100k–$150k 7.2%

$150k–$200k 6.8%

$200k+ 1.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.4%
$10k–$15k	9.6%
$15k–$25k	20.0%
$25k–$35k	10.4%
$35k–$50k	8.4%
$50k–$75k	22.8%
$75k–$100k	9.2%
$100k–$150k	7.2%
$150k–$200k	6.8%
$200k+	1.2%
Median income	$40,750

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.7%

$50k–$100k 12.1%

$100k–$150k 16.2%

$150k–$200k 22.5%

$200k–$300k 18.5%

$300k–$500k 22.5%

$500k–$1M 6.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$174,000
Median rent / month	$788
Owner occupied	69.2%
Renter occupied	30.8%
Vacant	36.9%
Single-family detached	80.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	2.0%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.50

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.0%
2000–2009	7.8%
1990–1999	7.8%
1980–1989	9.3%
1970–1979	14.6%
1960–1969	4.3%
1950–1959	2.5%
1940–1949	7.3%
1939 or earlier	44.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.3%
1 bedroom	10.1%
2 bedrooms	25.0%
3 bedrooms	38.6%
4 bedrooms	17.9%
5+ bedrooms	4.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	19.2%
1 vehicle	33.6%
2 vehicles	29.6%
3 or more	17.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	0.8%
Electricity	4.0%
Propane / LP gas	22.0%
Fuel oil	46.0%
Wood	23.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	87	34.8%
Cohabiting couple	40	16.0%
Male householder, no spouse	57	22.8%
Female householder, no spouse	66	26.4%
Households with children under 18	57	22.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	108	43.2%
Average household size	2.21

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	28.5%	35.1%
Married	41.7%	37.7%
Separated	1.3%	0.0%
Widowed	4.8%	15.6%
Divorced	23.7%	11.7%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8.5%

Some HS, no diploma 6.3%

HS graduate 44.4%

Some college, no degree 15.3%

Associate's degree 4.8%

Bachelor's degree 12.5%

Graduate / professional 8.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	85.2%
Bachelor's or higher	20.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	13	8.9%
Kindergarten	2	1.4%
Elementary school	64	43.8%
High school	40	27.4%
College / grad school	27	18.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.8%

Construction 13.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 12.4%

Other services 12.0%

Agriculture & mining 7.7%

Public administration 7.2%

Wholesale trade 6.2%

Transportation & utilities 3.8%

Finance & real estate 3.8%

Manufacturing 1.9%

Professional & management 1.9%

Retail trade 1.4%

Information 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	28.7%
Service	32.5%
Sales & office	6.7%
Natural resources & construction	19.6%
Production & transportation	12.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	59.3%
Government	18.2%
Self-employed	21.5%
Unpaid family workers	1.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.4%
Carpool	11.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.5%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	28.4

Poverty

All people 22.4%

Under 18 years 36.0%

18 and over 18.5%

Married-couple families 3.4%

Female-led households 79.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	56.8%
Retirement income	31.6%
Supplemental Security	4.0%
Cash public assistance	5.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	20.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.5%
High cholesterol	30.7%
Heart disease	7.5%
Stroke	3.4%
Asthma	10.3%
Arthritis	27.5%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	7.7%
Cancer	7.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.2%
No physical activity	21.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	31.8%
Fair or poor health	14.2%
Poor mental health	15.1%
Poor physical health	11.2%
No health insurance	10.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.1%
Visited dentist	60.4%
Cholesterol screening	87.4%
Teeth loss	17.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	37	8.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	23.1%
Under 18	8.0%
18–64 years	19.8%
65 and over	43.6%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	57.1%
Public insurance	60.4%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	547	98.9%
Spanish	26	4.8%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	26	4.8%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	512	92.6%
Born in same state	510	92.2%
Born in different state	120	21.7%
Foreign born	2	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	41	7.4%
Not a US citizen	5	12.2%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	143	25.9%
German	38	6.9%
Italian	23	4.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	22	4%
English	5	0.9%
Polish	1	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.2%
Internet access	78.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wells River, VT have?

Wells River, VT has one ZIP code: 05081. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.