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Brockton is a city located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 94,304. It and Plymouth are the county seats of Plymouth County6.
Brockton is the 6th largest city in Massachusetts.
In 1649, Indians sold the land to settlers. Brockton was part of Bridgewater until 1821. It was incorporated in 1881. During the American Civil War, Brockton was America's largest producer of shoes.
Sacco and Vanzetti were arrested in Brockton in 1920.
Brockton claims to be the "City of Champions", mainly due to the success of native boxers Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
Recent Trends
Brockton is currently amidst a major resurgence. It is rapidly becoming a top place to live. Situated right in the middle of Boston, Cape Cod, and Providence, and only a few hours drive from NYC, Brockton has a great natural balance as a city with close community and a city closely connected to civilization. With the prevalence now of high-speed broadband internet access, Brockton is now as connected as anyplace else. It has tens of millions of dollars in new construction projects. Recently, the Westgate Mall has been completely transformed, a new $35 million dollar courthouse opened, and a very fan-friendly and successful minor league baseball team began playing in a new $15 million stadium and conference center. The Public Library System--which has three branches--just finished millions of dollars in renovation and expansion of its central branch. Brockton's small but convenient downtown is rapidly improving, and the new Commuter Rail Link to Boston has made it more convenient than ever to head to the State's Capital. Money Magazine recently ranked Brockton as the #2 American City in which to live. At current real estate prices, it is a bargain that probably will not last long.
Government
Brockton has a substantial city government led by a mayor and city council. The city elects a mayor for two year terms. The city council consists of 7 Councilors at Large and 7 Councilors, one for every ward in the city.
Politically, the city is divided into 7 wards and 28 precincts(4 precincts per ward, i.e. Ward 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D).
A school committee is also elected by the citizens--one member per ward.
Geography
Brockton is located at 42°4'57" North, 71°1'18" West (42.082500, -71.021788)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 55.9 km² (21.6 mi²). 55.6 km² (21.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.56% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 94,304 people, 33,675 households, and 22,764 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,695.9/km² (4,392.8/mi²). There are 34,837 housing units at an average density of 626.5/km² (1,622.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 61.49% White, 17.83% African American, 0.36% Native American, 2.19% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 10.32% from other races, and 7.78% from two or more races. 8.01% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 33,675 households out of which 35.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% are married couples living together, 19.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are non-families. 26.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.74 and the average family size is 3.35.
In the city the population is spread out with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $39,507, and the median income for a family is $46,235. Males have a median income of $34,255 versus $26,886 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,163. 14.5% of the population and 12.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.4% of those under the age of 18 and 12.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Population trends:
- 1900 - 40,063
- 1890 - 27,273
- 1900 - 40,063
- 1910 - 56,878
- 1920 - 66,254
- 1930 - 63,797
- 1940 - 62,343
- 1950 - 62,860
- 1960 - 62,628
- 1970 - 72,813
- 1980 - 95,172
- 1990 - 92,788
- 2000 - 94,304
- 2002 - 95,437 (estimate)
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