Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 30,355.

The town is notable as the site of the opening shots ("the shot heard round the world") of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first engagement of the American Revolutionary War.

History

Lexington was first settled in 1640 and was officially incorporated in 1713.

Every year, on April 19th, the town holds a re-enactment of the events on the same day in 1775. These events include recreations of Paul Revere's famous ride, and the battle which gives the green its name. Throughout the rest of the year many tourists enjoy tours of the town's historic landmarks, kept up by the town's historical society.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 42.8 km² (16.5 mi²). 42.5 km² (16.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.85% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 30,355 people, 11,110 households, and 8,432 families residing in the town. The population density is 714.6/km² (1,851.0/mi²). There are 11,333 housing units at an average density of 266.8 persons/km² (691.1 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 86.13% White, 1.13% African American, 0.08% Native American, 10.90% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 11,110 households out of which 37.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% are married couples living together, 7.7% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 24.1% are non-families. 20.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.66 and the average family size is 3.10.

In the town the population is spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $96,825, and the median income for a family is $111,899. Males have a median income of $81,857 versus $50,090 for females. The per capita income for the town is $46,119. 3.4% of the population and 1.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 3.2% are under the age of 18 and 3.4% are 65 or older.