Cape Elizabeth, Maine
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Cape Elizabeth is a town located in Cumberland County, Maine. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 9,068.
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History
Cape Elizabeth was named in 1615 by the English explorer John Smith, in honor of Princess Elizabeth, sister of Charles I.
The first habitation of Cape Elizabeth by Europeans is believed to be on Richmond Island, at the southern tip of the promontory, where a fishing and trading post was established in 1632.
Cape Elizabeth became Maine's twenty-third town in 1765 when it separated from the town that would later be known as Portland, Maine.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 151.3 km² (58.4 mi²). 38.2 km² (14.7 mi²) of it is land and 113.1 km² (43.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 74.78% water. The nearest city is Portland, Maine. The most-photographed lighthouse in the world, Portland Head Light, is actually located in Cape Elizabeth.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 9,068 people, 3,488 households, and 2,605 families residing in the town. The population density is 237.7/km² (615.5/mi²). There are 3,724 housing units at an average density of 97.6/km² (252.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.97% White, 0.32% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.99% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 0.50% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,488 households out of which 36.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% are married couples living together, 6.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% are non-families. 21.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.01.
In the town the population is spread out with 26.5% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $72,359, and the median income for a family is $86,126. Males have a median income of $61,128 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the town is $37,983. 3.1% of the population and 1.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.5% of those under the age of 18 and 8.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Famous people
Famous people born in Cape Elizabeth include:
- Joan Benoit Samuelson, marathon runner
- John Ford, film director