La Plata, Maryland
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La Plata is a town located in Charles County, Maryland. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 6,551. It is the county seat of Charles CountyTemplate:GR. Although the town's name appears to be derived from Spanish, it is pronounced IPA /ləˈpleɪɾə/ listen.On April 28, 2002, an F4 tornado cut a 24-mile long swath through Charles County, with areas around La Plata damaged most severely. This tornado caused 4 deaths. La Plata had suffered an earlier tornado 70 years prior, which had a death toll of 17 people, 14 in a school called "Milton Somers" Jr. High.
Geography
La Plata is located at 38°32'3" North, 76°58'24" West (38.534258, -76.973377)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.0 km² (6.9 mi²). 18.0 km² (6.9 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 6,551 people, 2,223 households, and 1,578 families residing in the town. The population density is 363.9/km² (942.7/mi²). There are 2,308 housing units at an average density of 128.2/km² (332.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 72.72% White, 23.69% African American, 0.52% Native American, 1.56% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,223 households out of which 37.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% are married couples living together, 17.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% are non-families. 23.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.10.
In the town the population is spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $56,490, and the median income for a family is $66,288. Males have a median income of $42,492 versus $32,125 for females. The per capita income for the town is $24,669. 10.1% of the population and 8.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.0% of those under the age of 18 and 18.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.