Webster (town), Massachusetts
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Webster, MA Seal.jpg Webster is a town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 16,415.
For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Webster, please see the article Webster (CDP), Massachusetts.
Image:Webster massachusetts marshall.jpg
History
Webster was first settled in 1713 and was officially incorporated in 1832.
Geography
Image:Webster ma highlight.png According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.7 km² (14.5 mi²). 32.3 km² (12.5 mi²) of it is land and 5.3 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 14.10% water.
Webster is known for containing Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, which has the longest place name in the United States. The name derives from a Nipmuc phrase. A state-recognized reservation for the Nipmuc Indians is located within the town.
The city is also known for incorporating many Polish-American immigrants, who may constitute up to a third of the town.
Demographics
Image:Webster massachusetts town hall.jpg As of the census2 of 2000, there were 16,415 people, 6,905 households, and 4,274 families residing in the town. The population density was 507.4/km² (1,314.2/mi²). There were 7,554 housing units at an average density of 233.5/km² (604.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.82% White, 1.11% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 3.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,905 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $38,169, and the median income for a family was $48,898. Males had a median income of $37,863 versus $26,912 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,410. 11.0% of the population and 8.1% of families were below the poverty line. 12.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
For more on the history of Webster visit www.Oldewebster.com