Mariposa, California
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Mariposa is an unincorporated community and census-designated place that serves as the county seat of Mariposa County, California. As of the 2000 census, the community had a total population of 1,373. Its name is Spanish for "butterfly", which were seen here in flocks by early explorers.
Geography
CAMap-doton-Mariposa.png
Location of Mariposa, California
According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 8.3 km² (3.2 mi²). 8.3 km² (3.2 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Mariposa County is home to much of Yosemite National Park, and a good deal of the local economy is related to the Park and to tourism. The county courthouse, constructed in 1856, is the oldest in continuous use in California. Tours are available.
The county lies at the southern end of the Mother Lode, and Europeans were attracted to Mariposa by gold. During the 19th century California Gold Rush, its streams were panned and deep mines worked the undergound veins. At one time John C. Frémont lived here and owned claims to much of the mineral wealth of Mariposa. He later was the first US Senator from the state, and the first Republican candidate for President.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 1,373 people, 676 households, and 327 families residing in the community. The population density is 164.6/km² (426.4/mi²). There are 754 housing units at an average density of 90.4/km² (234.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the community is 86.82% White, 0.58% African American, 6.34% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.82% from other races, and 3.57% from two or more races. 5.83% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 676 households out of which 21.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.4% are married couples living together, 13.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 51.5% are non-families. 47.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 27.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.94 and the average family size is 2.77.
In the community the population is spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 27.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 80.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 78.7 males.
The median income for a household in the community is $18,144, and the median income for a family is $27,344. Males have a median income of $26,771 versus $26,635 for females. The per capita income for the community is $22,436. 24.0% of the population and 28.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 34.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- Photographic virtual tour of Mariposa. (http://www.Untraveledroad.com/USA/California/Mariposa/Mariposa.htm)