China, Maine
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China is a town located in Kennebec County, Maine. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 4,106.
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Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 147.0 km² (56.8 mi²). 129.1 km² (49.8 mi²) of it is land and 17.9 km² (6.9 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 12.21% water. Bodies of water include China Lake, Three Mile Pond, and Branch Pond.
History
In 1774 a family named Clark settled in the area and established Jones' Plantation. In 1796 Jones' Plantation was incorporated as Harlem. On June 25, 1818 the Town of China was incorporated by combining Harlem, Fairfax (Albion), and Winslow.
The name of the town was chosen by Japheth Washburn. He wanted to call the town Bloomville, but people from the town of Bloomfield objecting, saying that the similarity of names could cause confusion. Mr. Washburn settled on the name China, because it was the name of one of his favorite hymn tunes (better known as "Jesus Loves Me").
Divisions
The town of China contains four villages: China, South China, Weeks Mills, and Branch Mills.
Government
At a yearly Town Meeting citizens elect five Town Selectmen, one of whom is chosen as chairman. The citizens also outline the budget for the coming year. The Selectmen appoint a Town Manager who oversees the daily operation of the town.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 4,106 people, 1,549 households, and 1,175 families residing in the town. The population density is 31.8/km² (82.4/mi²). There are 2,029 housing units at an average density of 15.7/km² (40.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.98% White, 0.15% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,549 households out of which 37.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% are married couples living together, 9.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% are non-families. 17.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.65 and the average family size is 2.99.
In the town the population is spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $41,250, and the median income for a family is $42,768. Males have a median income of $31,802 versus $23,371 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,262. 3.7% of the population and 2.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.5% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Famous People From China
- Rufus Jones--Quaker theologian
- Herman Roessler--artist
- Leroy S. Starrett--inventor