Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is the capital and the largest city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city is also the county seat of Suffolk County. It is the unofficial capital of the region known as New England as well as one of the oldest and wealthiest cities in the United States, with an economy based on education, health care, finance, and high technology.

Demographics

As of the census{{GR|2}} of 2000, there are 589,141 people, 239,528 households, and 115,212 families residing in the city. The population density is 4,697/km² (12,166/mi²). There are 251,935 housing units at an average density of 2,009/km² (5,203/mi²). The Irish are the largest ethnic group in the city of Boston. Boston is the capital of "Irish America". The racial makeup of the city is 54.48% White, 25.33% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 7.52% Asian American, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 7.83% from other races, and 4.39% from two or more races. 14.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. These figures become less reliable due to the large, partly undocumented Brazilian population, estimated by some studies to approach 250,000 in Massachusetts. Census data does not account for this significant segment of the community because of confusing terminology, as Brazilians speak Portuguese and often do not consider themselves specifically Hispanic, Latino, White or African American.

Related Topics:
Census - 2000 - Population density - Irish - Irish America - White - Black - African American - Native American - Asian American - Pacific Islander - Hispanic - Latino - Portuguese

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There are 239,528 households out of which 22.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.4% are married couples living together, 16.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 51.9% are non-families. 37.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 3.17.

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In the city the population is spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 16.2% from 18 to 24, 35.8% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males.

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The median income for a household in the city is $39,629, and the median income for a family is $44,151. Males have a median income of $37,435 versus $32,421 for females. The per capita income for the city is $23,353. 19.5% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.6% of those under the age of 18 and 18.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Related Topics:
Median - Per capita income - Poverty line

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The city, notable for having one of the most attractive and livable urban cores in the country, is divided into many neighborhoods. Allston/Brighton is populated mostly by students from nearby Boston University and recent graduates. The Back Bay, west of the Public Garden, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States. Dorchester, being populated with every ethnic group, is probably the most diverse Boston neighborhood. Located next to Dorchester is South Boston, which is primarily comprised of Irish-Americans. The South End, south of the Back Bay, is populated largely by GLBTs, artists, yuppies, African Americans, and Hispanics—it is noted for its restaurant scene and bohemian atmosphere. Roxbury and Mattapan, located south of downtown, are populated largely by African Americans and Hispanics, as well as middle-class families priced out of more expensive neighborhoods. Other neighborhoods include: Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Fenway/Kenmore, the North End, Hyde Park, Roslindale, and West Roxbury.{{ref|neighborhood}}

Related Topics:
Allston - Brighton - Back Bay - Public Garden - United States - Dorchester - South Boston - South End - GLBT - African Americans - Hispanic - Roxbury - Mattapan - African American - Beacon Hill - Charlestown - Chinatown - East Boston - Jamaica Plain - Fenway/Kenmore - North End - Hyde Park - Roslindale - West Roxbury

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