Newburyport is a small coastal city located in Essex County, Massachusetts. Although it is officially a city, its population of about 17,189 (according to the 2000 census) is closer to that of a town. Like many cities and towns in the area, many of its old buildings have been historically preserved, and it has a very healthy tourism industry.

History

Newburyport was first settled in 1635 and was officially incorporated in 1764. Situated on the mouth of the Merrimack River, Newburyport is a historic seaport on the North Shore.

Tidbits of Newburyport History include:

• Home of the first United States Coast Guard station.
• The first and many subsequent American Clipper ships were built there.
• Birthplace of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison.
• First "Tea Party" to oppose English Tea Tax.
• Major center for privateering in the War of 1812.
• Mentioned in H. P. Lovecraft story, Shadow over Innsmouth.
• Longtime home of wacky 'Lord' Timothy Dexter.

Geography

Newburyport is located at 42°48'45" North, 70°52'39" West (42.812391, -70.877440).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.4 km² (10.6 mi²). 21.7 km² (8.4 mi²) of it is land and 5.7 km² (2.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 20.77% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 17,189 people, 7,519 households, and 4,428 families residing in the city. The population density is 792.0/km² (2,050.3/mi²). There are 7,897 housing units at an average density of 363.8/km² (942.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 98.11% White, 0.42% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,519 households out of which 25.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% are non-families. 33.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.24 and the average family size is 2.90.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $58,557, and the median income for a family is $73,306. Males have a median income of $51,831 versus $37,853 for females. The per capita income for the city is $34,187. 5.2% of the population and 2.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.3% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• City of Newburyport
• Boston.com description