Oak Bluffs is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,713.

History

Oak Bluffs was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1880. Early on, the name of the town was Cottage City.

"The Highlands" is the traditionally black area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 67.2 km² (26.0 mi²). 19.1 km² (7.4 mi²) of it is land and 48.1 km² (18.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 71.61% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 3,713 people, 1,590 households, and 914 families residing in the town. The population density is 194.5/km² (504.1/mi²). There are 3,820 housing units at an average density of 200.1/km² (518.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 86.72% White, 4.31% African American, 1.51% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.50% from other races, and 4.28% from two or more races. 1.19% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,590 households out of which 27.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% are non-families. 32.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the town the population is spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $42,044, and the median income for a family is $53,841. Males have a median income of $39,113 versus $31,797 for females. The per capita income for the town is $23,829. 8.4% of the population and 6.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.0% of those under the age of 18 and 8.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.