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SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS - USA
Springfield is a city in the western part of the State of Massachusetts. It
is the county seat of Hampden County. As of the 2000 census, the city had a
total population of 152,082. But a July 1, 2002 Census estimate put the
city's population at 151,915. Nevertheless, this is the largest (and also
historically the first) city called Springfield in the United States. It is
also the largest city on the Connecticut River and the third largest city in
Massachusetts.
Springfield is home to three 4-year colleges:
Springfield College, Western New England College and American International
College. Local residents are also served by Springfield Technical Community
College (STCC), a junior college.
The area is served by Bradley International Airport in nearby Windsor Locks,
Connecticut. Springfield also has an Amtrak station, with trains destined to
Washington, DC, Boston, Vermont or Chicago.
It is the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the birthplace of Theodor
Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.
History
Springfield was first settled in 1636 and was officially incorporated that
same year.
Geography
Springfield is located at 42°6'45" North, 72°32'51" West (42.112411,
-72.547455).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
86.0 km˛ (33.2 mi˛). 83.1 km˛ (32.1 mi˛) of it is land and 2.8 km˛ (1.1 mi˛)
of it is water. The total area is 3.31% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 152,082 people, 57,130 households, and
36,391 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,829.3/km˛
(4,737.7/mi˛). There are 61,172 housing units at an average density of
735.8/km˛ (1,905.6/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city is 56.11% White,
21.01% African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.92% Asian, 0.09% Pacific
Islander, 16.45% from other races, and 4.04% from two or more races. 27.18%
of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 57,130 households out of which 33.7% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 34.7% are married couples living together, 23.8%
have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% are non-families.
30.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.4% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is
2.57 and the average family size is 3.19.
In the city the population is spread out with 28.9% under the age of 18,
11.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who
are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100
females there are 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
are 84.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $30,417, and the median
income for a family is $36,285. Males have a median income of $32,396 versus
$26,536 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,232. 23.1% of
the population and 19.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the
total people living in poverty, 33.9% are under the age of 18 and 11.7% are
65 or older.
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