Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts in the United States of America. Its population in the 2000 census was 172,648; a July 1, 2002 estimate put the city's population at 174,962. Its Zip code is 016xx. It and Fitchburg are the county seats of Worcester County6.Worcester is correctly pronounced with two syllables, not three: "woos-ter". The first syllable rhymes with puss.
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2 Demographics 3 Landmarks 4 Education 5 External links |
Geography
Worcester is located at 42°16'8" North, 71°48'14" West (42.268843, -71.803774)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 99.9 km² (38.6 mi²). 97.3 km² (37.6 mi²) of it is land and 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.59% water.
The Blackstone River passes through Worcester, but has been almost completely covered as it passes through the city. Streets such as Water Street, and the appearance of the river just south of the city, are the only indications of its existence. Lake Quinsigamond, on the city's eastern border, is frequently the site of rowing competitions.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 172,648 people, 67,028 households, and 39,211 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,774.8/km² (4,596.5/mi²). There are 70,723 housing units at an average density of 727.0/km² (1,882.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 77.11% White, 6.89% African American, 0.45% Native American, 4.87% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 7.24% from other races, and 3.39% from two or more races. 15.15% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 67,028 households out of which 29.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.3% are married couples living together, 15.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.5% are non-families. 33.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.41 and the average family size is 3.11.
In the city the population is spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $35,623, and the median income for a family is $42,988. Males have a median income of $36,190 versus $28,522 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,614. 17.9% of the population and 14.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.6% are under the age of 18 and 11.6% are 65 or older.
Worcester houses the American Antiquarian Society; Higgins Armory, the largest collection of arms and armor in the western hemisphere; the Worcester Art Museum, the Ecotarium, and the Worcester Centrum Centre.
The Highland Military Academy opened in 1856 but is now closed.
The Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science, a public magnet school for science and mathematics founded in 1992, is located on the campus of WPI.Landmarks
Education
Colleges and Universities
The city is known for its numerous institutions of higher learning, includingPreparatory Schools
Worcester Academy and the Bancroft School, two well-known preparatory schools, are located in Worcester.Public High Schools
The City of Worcester has five public high schools, Doherty Memorial High School, Burncoat High School, North High School, South High Community School, and Worcester Vocational High School.