Chatham, Massachusetts
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Chatham is a town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 6,625.
For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Chatham, please see the articles on Chatham (CDP) and West Chatham.
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History
Chatham was first settled in 1665 and was officially incorporated in 1712.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 63.2 km² (24.4 mi²). 42.0 km² (16.2 mi²) of it is land and 21.2 km² (8.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 33.55% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 6,625 people, 3,160 households, and 1,886 families residing in the town. The population density is 157.7/km² (408.4/mi²). There are 6,743 housing units at an average density of 160.5/km² (415.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.03% White, 1.77% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.92% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
During the summer months (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), the population of the town triples to approximately 20,000, not counting the additional transient tourist population hosted by the town's many hotels, inns, motels, and bed & breakfasts. While the tourist industry is very strong in Chatham, fishing still represents the town's main industry.
There are 3,160 households out of which 15.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% are married couples living together, 6.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% are non-families. 34.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.00 and the average family size is 2.52.
In the town the population is spread out with 13.3% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 34.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 54 years. For every 100 females there are 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.4 males.
The local K-12 school system is comprised of approximately 700 students, making for average high school grade sizes between 30-40 students.
The median income for a household in the town is $45,519, and the median income for a family is $56,750. Males have a median income of $41,064 versus $30,365 for females. The per capita income for the town is $28,594. 4.8% of the population and 1.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.1% of those under the age of 18 and 3.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Notable Natives
Chatham is the birthplace of six-time U.S. champion and 1996 world champion figure skater Todd Eldredge, considered by many to be one of the finest male figure skaters ever. While Todd now resides outside of Detroit, Michigan, his family still lives in Chatham.
External links
- Chatham, Cape Cod Online Guide Book (http://www.MyChatham.com/) by MyChatham.com
- Chatham official website (http://www.town.chatham.ma.us/)
- Chatham Lodging Association (http://www.chathamlodging.com/)