Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
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Lake Ronkonkoma is a hamlet (and census-designated place) located in Suffolk County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 19,701.
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Geography
Lake Ronkonkoma is located at 40°49'47" North, 73°6'47" West (40.829709, -73.113015)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.7 km² (4.9 mi²). 12.7 km² (4.9 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
History
The actual lake, Lake Ronkonkoma, is situated in the town, the largest lake on Long Island. As a result of the lake's existence, Lake Ronkonkoma was once a resort town, until mid-20th century population explosion in the area. Remnants of old resorts and hotels can still be seen around the lake's shores.
The lake is the subject of a number of urban legends, mainly rooted to the area's rich Indian heritage. For example: 1. It's bottomless (and/or empties into the Long Island Sound or other waterways). In fact, the lake is relatively deep (approx. 70 feet) in the middle, and is what's known as kettle hole lake; 2. Every year the lake sacrifices someone. Specifically, the "Legend of the Lady of the Lake" contends that "the lady" calls young men out to the middle of the lake and drowns them. In all versions, the lady is an Indian princess who herself drowned in the lake, for reasons that vary depending on the story. Undoubtedly there are people who drown in the lake on occasion. Whether that's because of a curse, you decide ...; 3. There is a mysterious rise and fall of the lake that doesn't have any noticeable relationship to local rainfall totals. This has not been sufficiently explained either way.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 19,701 people, 6,700 households, and 5,011 families residing in the CDP. The population density is 1,549.2/km² (4,010.1/mi²). There are 6,949 housing units at an average density of 546.4/km² (1,414.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP is 93.53% White, 1.36% African American, 0.15% Native American, 2.41% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. 5.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 6,700 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% are married couples living together, 10.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% are non-families. 20.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.86 and the average family size is 3.32.
In the CDP the population is spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.3 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP is $60,209, and the median income for a family is $67,375. Males have a median income of $50,715 versus $34,301 for females. The per capita income for the CDP is $23,233. 6.2% of the population and 3.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.8% of those under the age of 18 and 17.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.