Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 3,587 people, 1,445 households, and
881 families residing in the town. The population density is 248.2/km˛
(643.1/mi˛). There are 2,251 housing units at an average density of 155.8/km˛
(403.6/mi˛). The racial makeup of the town is 82.46% White, 7.39% African
American, 0.08% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander,
5.94% from other races, and 2.43% from two or more races. 16.62% of the
population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,445 households out of which 27.3% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 44.2% are married couples living together, 12.2%
have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% are non-families.
31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.8% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size
is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.07.
In the town the population is spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18,
6.7% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.2%
who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every
100 females there are 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over,
there are 90.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $45,347, and the median
income for a family is $55,357. Males have a median income of $38,566
versus $29,750 for females. The per capita income for the town is $25,725.
12.2% of the population and 10.3% of families are below the poverty line.
Out of the total people living in poverty, 20.5% are under the age of 18
and 4.2% are 65 or older.
In the summer, the population of East Hampton is greatly increased by
wealthy vacationers, many from the New York metropolitan area. Housing
costs have greatly increased as East Hampton has evolved into a
fashionable, destination resort. In 2004, a modest house in East Hampton
Village could sell for over a million dollars. Many people employed in
East Hampton can no longer afford to live there, but instead commute from
Riverhead and other towns towards central Long Island.
Special Events
Each year, East Hampton Fire Department organizes fireworks on Main Beach
to celebrate July 4th. Sometimes fog off the water makes it hard to see
the fireworks. Vendors sell glow sticks. Right before the fireworks start,
there's a really long line to use the portable toilets.
Each summer is the annual Artists and Writers Softball Game http://www.artistsandwritersgame.com/index.html,
a charity benefit. Past players include John Irving, Norman Mailer, Kurt
Vonnegut, Dustin Hoffman, Bill Clinton, and singer Paul Simon.
