Bristol County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of 2000, the population is 534,678. Despite multiple seats being displayed on some maps, its only legal county seat is Taunton6. While often designated as such, Fall River and New Bedford are not county seats, legally or otherwise. They do, however, host several court buildings. The High Sheriff of Bristol County is currently Thomas M. Hodgson, a Republican from Fall River.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,790 km² (691 mi²). 1,440 km² (556 mi²) of it is land and 350 km² (135 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 19.56% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 534,678 people, 205,411 households, and 140,706 families residing in the county. The population density is 371/km² (962/mi²). There are 216,918 housing units at an average density of 151/km² (390/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.98% White, 2.03% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 1.26% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.12% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. 3.60% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 205,411 households out of which 33.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% are married couples living together, 13.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% are non-families. 26.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.54 and the average family size is 3.08.
In the county the population is spread out with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 22.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $43,496, and the median income for a family is $53,733. Males have a median income of $39,361 versus $27,516 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,978. 10.00% of the population and 7.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.00% of those under the age of 18 and 12.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities, towns, and villages*
* Villages are census division, but have no separate corporate existence from the towns they are in.
External link
Last updated: 05-22-2005 05:01:37
