Hercules is a city located in Contra Costa County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 19,488. It is one of many small “bedroom communities” along the I-80 corridor in Western Contra Costa County. It is located about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, and approximately a half-hour drive (without traffic) from either Oakland or San Francisco. Neighboring towns are Pinole to the southwest, and Rodeo to the northeast.

The population is predominantly middle class and relatively diverse. The town has some light manufacturing and high-tech industry (most notably BioRad , a Fortune 500 company, is based here) as well as various commercial and retail activities. Most of the housing and other building stock is of recent construction. New commercial and residential development is ongoing, including the development of the town's waterfront near several historic buildings that remain from the original town (see history below).

History

The town was established as company housing by the California Powder Works in 1881 when it relocated its operations from San Francisco. Hercules was named after the company's leading brand of explosive, in turn named after the mythical hero. Powder manufacturing was an extremely dangerous endeavor at the time, and uncontrolled explosions were frequent (indeed 59 workers died in the first 40 years of operation at this site). Hercules' isolated location at the time, plus its proximity to rail and water transportation along San Pablo Bay, made it an ideal choice.

By the Second World War, the plant had diversified to produce fertilizers and other chemical products. Eventually the facility was out-competed by foreign manufacturers, and the plant was closed in 1976. However, by this time the surrounding area was experiencing rapid growth as the commuter belt moved further outward from San Francisco. By the mid 1970’s Centex Homes and other developers began to build new subdivisions and transform Hercules into the residential suburb it is known as today.

Current Issues

As of late 2004 current issues include the regulation of new development (many residents want to preserve much of the undeveloped land around the city whereas many outside interests would like to continue to build new housing and commercial services), the construction of a new ferry terminal to provide direct service to San Francisco, and adding a new rail stop for Amtrak Capital Corridor services.

Geography

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 19,488 people, 6,423 households, and 4,997 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,161.2/km² (3,008.2/mi²). There are 6,546 housing units at an average density of 390.0/km² (1,010.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 27.98% White, 18.78% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 42.73% Asian, 0.46% Pacific Islander, 4.47% from other races, and 5.33% from two or more races. 10.81% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,423 households out of which 41.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% are married couples living together, 13.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% are non-families. 17.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 3.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.03 and the average family size is 3.46.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $75,196, and the median income for a family is $82,214. Males have a median income of $50,672 versus $40,433 for females. The per capita income for the city is $27,699. 3.2% of the population and 1.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

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