West Springfield, Massachusetts
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West Springfield is a city located in Hampden County, Massachusetts. It is considered a suburb of Springfield, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 27,899.
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History
West Springfield was first settled in 1660 and was officially incorporated in 1774.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 45.4 km² (17.5 mi²). 43.4 km² (16.8 mi²) of it is land and 2.0 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.50% water. It is on the west side of the Connecticut River, across from Springfield.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 27,899 people, 11,823 households, and 7,117 families residing in the city. The population density is 643.1/km² (1,665.7/mi²). There are 12,259 housing units at an average density of 282.6/km² (731.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 90.68% White, 2.05% African American, 0.22% Native American, 1.97% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.94% from other races, and 2.10% from two or more races. 5.75% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 11,823 households out of which 27.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% are married couples living together, 11.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% are non-families. 34.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 3.02.
In the city the population is spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $40,266, and the median income for a family is $50,282. Males have a median income of $38,082 versus $28,079 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,982. 11.9% of the population and 8.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Attractions
West Springfield is the home of The Big E, an annual agricultural and entertainment fair.