Worcester is a city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States of America. A July 1, 2002, estimate put the population at 174,962. In terms of population, Worcester is the third-largest city in New England, behind Boston and Providence, Rhode Island. Worcester is the second-largest city in Massachusetts, and the county seat of Worcester County.
The city and its surrounding region are the fastest growing areas in the state. It is ranked twenty-fifth in the nation for its size in terms of current population and economic growth. Nevertheless, downtown Worcester has suffered from the trend toward urban sprawl, as some of its business activity has been lured away by shopping malls.
Worcester is located at 42°16'8" North, 71°48'14" West (42.268843, -71.803774). 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 is almost completely covered as it passes through. Water Street (the traditional hub of Worcester's Jewish population, famed for its bakeries), and the appearance of the river just south of the city, are the only indications of its existence. Just as in Rome, Italy, there are seven very steep hills that distinguish its topography: Airport Hill, Bancroft Hill, Belmont Hill (Bell Hill), Grafton Hill , Green Hill, Pakachoag Hill and Vernon Hill. Lake Quinsigamond, on its eastern border, is frequently the site of rowing competitions.
ZIP codes in Worcester are 01601-01610, 01613-01615, and 01653-01655.
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.
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 household income is $35,623, and the median family income is $42,988. Males have a median income of $36,190 versus $28,522 for females. The per capita income is $18,614. 17.9% of the population and 14.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.6% of those under the age of 18 and 11.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Worcester was first settled in 1673 and was officially incorporated in 1684. The settlement was established as a town in 1722, and chartered as a city in 1848. When the government of Worcester County was established on April 2, 1731, Worcester was chosen as its shire town (later known as a county seat). From that date until the dissolution of the county government on July 1, 1998, it was the only county seat.
John Adams taught at the village schoolhouse in Worcester before returning to Braintree to practice law.
On June 9, 1953, Worcester was hit by a tornado that killed 94 people and damaged a large part of the city. It was the deadliest tornado in New England history. The tornado struck the then-campus of Assumption College (currently Quinsigamond Community College).
Source:
WorcesterMA.com
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