Cheshire, Massachusetts

Cheshire is a town located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,401.

Geography

\nAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 71.4 km² (27.5 mi²). 69.8 km² (26.9 mi²) of it is land and 1.6 km² (0.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.21% water.

Demographics

\nAs of the census of 2000, there are 3,401 people, 1,367 households, and 985 families residing in the town. The population density is 48.7/km² (126.3/mi²). There are 1,470 housing units at an average density of 21.1/km² (54.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.21% White, 0.38% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.06% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 0.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 1,367 households out of which 30.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% are married couples living together, 8.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% are non-families. 23.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 2.92. In the town the population is spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.5 males. The median income for a household in the town is $41,981, and the median income for a family is $53,885. Males have a median income of $40,205 versus $26,042 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,156. 6.6% of the population and 4.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.3% are under the age of 18 and 6.3% are 65 or older.