Topsfield, Massachusetts
|
|
Topsfield is a town located in Essex County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 6,141.
There is additional demographic information describing the central settlement within the town as a census-designated place. That data is also included in the aggregate numbers for the entire town that are reported here. For these details, please see the article Topsfield (CDP), Massachusetts.
| Contents |
History
Topsfield was first settled in 1635 and was officially incorporated in 1650.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.3 km² (12.8 mi²). 33.0 km² (12.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.78% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 6,141 people, 2,099 households, and 1,712 families residing in the town. The population density is 186.1/km² (482.1/mi²). There are 2,144 housing units at an average density of 65.0 persons/km² (168.3 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.75% White, 0.37% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,099 households out of which 40.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% are married couples living together, 6.1% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 18.4% are non-families. 16.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.87 and the average family size is 3.22.
In the town the population is spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $96,430, and the median income for a family is $104,475. Males have a median income of $67,428 versus $43,780 for females. The per capita income for the town is $37,770. 1.7% of the population and 0.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 0.0% are under the age of 18 and 4.1% are 65 or older.
Topsfield Fair
Topsfield is the home of the Topsfield Fair (http://www.topsfieldfair.org/), an agricultural fair founded in 1818. The oldest agricultural fair in America, it features carnival rides and games in addition to the more traditional attractions - exhibitions of livestock, rabbits and cavies, crafts, horses and produce. Most noteable is the Giant Pumpkin competition. The 2004 winning pumpkin (http://www.topsfieldfair.org/tour/giant%20pumpkin2.htm) weighed 1,253 pounds and was grown by Steven Sperry of Johnston, RI.
Topsfield School System
The town has three schools - Steward School (http://www.topsfieldschools.org/STEWARD/STEWARD_INDEX_.htm), serving preschool through third grade, Proctor Elementary School (http://www.topsfieldschools.org/PROCTOR/PROCTOR_SCHOOL_index.htm), serving fourth through sixth grade, and Masconomet Regional Middle and High School, serving students from Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton in grades seven through nine.
External links
- Town of Topsfield (http://www.topsfield-ma.gov/)
- Topsfield Fair (http://www.topsfieldfair.org/)
- Topsfield Town Library (http://www.topsfieldtownlibrary.org/)
- Topsfield Schools (http://www.topsfieldschools.org/)
- Masconomet Regional High School (http://www.masconomet.org/)fr:Topsfield (Massachusetts)