Williamstown is a town located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 8,424. It is known for being the home of Williams College.

For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Williamstown, please see the article Williamstown (CDP), Massachusetts.

History

Williamstown was first settled in 1749 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was originally named West Hoosick. A leading resident, Ephraim Williams, was killed in the French and Indian War, and left a significant sum to the town if they renamed it "Williamstown" and started a free school. The school eventually became Williams College.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 121.5 km² (46.9 mi²). 121.4 km² (46.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.04% water.

Williamstown is the northwesternmost town in Massachusetts; that is, it shares its northern border with Vermont and its western border with New York.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 8,424 people, 2,753 households, and 1,693 families residing in the town. The population density is 69.4/km² (179.7/mi²). There are 3,053 housing units at an average density of 25.1/km² (65.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 90.79% White, 2.72% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 3.12% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.77% from other races, and 2.37% from two or more races. 2.77% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,753 households out of which 24.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% are married couples living together, 7.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% are non-families. 32.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.21 and the average family size is 2.80.

In the town the population is spread out with 15.3% under the age of 18, 27.5% from 18 to 24, 16.6% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $51,875, and the median income for a family is $67,589. Males have a median income of $50,011 versus $32,845 for females. The per capita income for the town is $26,039. 5.5% of the population and 1.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.3% of those under the age of 18 and 6.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.