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LAWRENCE, KANSAS - USA
Lawrence is a city located in Douglas County, Kansas. As of the 2000 census,
the city had a total population of 80,098. Lawrence is the county seat of
Douglas County, and is the home of the University of Kansas and Haskell
Indian Nations University. Lawrence is located in northeast Kansas, on the
Kansas River, and southwest of Kansas City. The city was founded in 1851 for
the New England Emigrant Aid Company by Charles Robinson, and named after
A.A. Lawrence. It was home to the first church in Kansas, and was the
political center of the Free States, and served as de facto capital until
1856.
In the Civil War era, Lawrence was a center
of anti-slavery sentiment. On May 21, 1856, a pro-slavery posse led by
Sheriff Samuel J. Jones burned the Free-State Hotel, destroyed the equipment
of two anti-slavery newspapers, and looted several other businesses. No loss
of life was recorded (see Sacking of Lawrence). On August 21, 1863, however,
pro-slavery forces led by William Quantrill burned most of the homes and
businesses in Lawrence, and killed 150-200 of the men they found in Lawrence
(see Lawrence Massacre).
The University of Kansas was founded in Lawrence in 1864. As a college town,
Lawrence is known for its liberal philosophy and unique culture.
Lawrence's sister cities are Eutin, Germany and Hiratsuka, Japan.
Geography
Lawrence is located at 38°57'36" North, 95°15'12" West (38.959902,
-95.253199).
This is about 25 miles west of Kansas City, and about 20 miles east of
Topeka.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
74.3 km˛ (28.7 mi˛). 72.8 km˛ (28.1 mi˛) of it is land and 1.5 km˛ (0.6 mi˛)
of it is water. The total area is 2.06% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 80,098 people, 31,388 households, and
15,725 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,100.2/km˛
(2,849.4/mi˛). There are 32,761 housing units at an average density of
450.0/km˛ (1,165.4/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city is 83.80% White,
5.09% African American, 2.93% Native American, 3.78% Asian, 0.07% Pacific
Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 2.97% from two or more races. 3.65% of
the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 31,388 households out of which 25.1% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 38.0% are married couples living together, 8.7% have
a female householder with no husband present, and 49.9% are non-families.
30.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.6% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is
2.30 and the average family size is 2.93.
In the city the population is spread out with 18.6% under the age of 18,
30.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 15.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who
are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 25 years. For every 100
females there are 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
are 98.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $34,669, and the median
income for a family is $51,545. Males have a median income of $33,481 versus
$27,436 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,378. 18.9% of
the population and 7.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the
total people living in poverty, 10.6% are under the age of 18 and 7.7% are
65 or older.
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