Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown is a town located at the tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The population was 3,431 at the 2000 census. "P-town", as it is sometimes called, is known for its beaches, artists, and tourist industry, and is a significant gay resort.

The United States Census Bureau provides additional demographic detail for the more densely populated central village area within the town. Those details are included in the aggregate population and area values reported here. See: Provincetown (CDP), Massachusetts.

History

Provincetown was incorporated in 1727 where it had already been harboring ships for more than a century. French explorer Samuel de Champlain visited Provincetown as early as 1605. In 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact in Provincetown's harbor, agreeing to settle and build a self-governing community. Though the Pilgrims chose to settle across the bay in Plymouth, Provincetown was eventually settled as a fishing village in 1700.

The population of Provincetown remained small through most of the 18th century. Following the American Revolution, however, Provincetown grew rapidly as a fishing and whaling center of Cape Cod. The population was bolstered by a number of Portuguese sailors who, hired to work on US ships, came to live in Provincetown. By the 1890s, Provincetown was booming, and had begun to develop a resident population of writers and artists, as well as a summer tourist industry. When the 1898 Portland Gale severely damaged the town's fishing industry, members of the town's art community took over many of the abandoned buildings. By the early decades of the 20th century, the town had acquired an international reputation for its artistic and literary output.

In the mid-60s, Provincetown saw population growth. The city's rural character appealed to the the hippies of the era; furthermore, property was relatively cheap and rents were correspondingly low, especially during the winter. Many of those who came stayed and raised families. Commercial Street also gained many cafes and shops due to the influx of people.

In the mid-70s, members of the gay community began moving to Provincetown; in 1978, the Provincetown Business Guild was formed to promote gay tourism there. Today, more than 200 businesses belong to the PBG, and Provincetown is perhaps the best-known gay summer resort on the east coast.

Modern day

Since the 90s, property prices have risen significantly, with numerous condo conversions causing some residents economic hardship. The New York Times Sunday September 4th, 2005 This has not slowed down the city's economy, however. Provincetown's tourist season has expanded to the point where the whole year is dotted with festivals and weeklong events. The most established are in the summer: The Portuguese Festival and PBG's Carnival Week.

For those who follow the gay travel and event circuit, Provincetown is currently a destination of choice during the week surrounding the July 4th holiday. The town is successful enough to now offer two full series of events that compete during "Circuit Week" for best boat cruise, most elaborate dance event, and most famous DJ - and for tourist dollars.

Other notable festivals during the year include the Christmas themed "Holly Folly", "Bear Week", "Mate's Leather Weekend", "Women's Week", "Single Men's Weekend", and the "Provincetown Film Festival".

Government

Provincetown is in Barnstable County. Residents elect selectmen, employ a town manager, and hold open town meetings.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census, Provincetown has a total area of 45.2 km² (17.5 mi²). 25.0 km² (9.7 mi²) of it is land and 20.2 km² (7.8 mi²) of it (44.71%) is water.

Demographics

United States Census Information

According to the census ² of 2000, which collects data on year-round residents, there were 3,431 people, 1,837 households, and 464 families residing in the town. The population density was 137.1/km² (355.2/mi²). There were 3,890 housing units at an average density of 155.5/km² (402.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 87.55% White, 7.52% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 1.08% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.16% of the population. The top reported ancestries was Portuguese (22.6%), Irish (13.9%), English (10.4%), and Italian (8.7%).

There were 1,837 households out of which 9.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 17.7% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 74.7% were non-families. 53.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.69 and the average family size was 2.65.

In the town the population was spread out with 8.0% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 32.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 115.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.2 males.

The median income for a year-round household in the town was $32,716, and the median income for a family was $39,679. Males had a median income of $30,556 versus $25,298 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,109. About 8.5% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.7% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.

Demographics in a resort town

Traditional sources such as the United States Census, municipal voting rolls and property records may not accurately portray the demography of resort towns. While Provincetown's year-round population is small and has been declining, the summer population has been estimated at 60,000.

And economic statistics based on census figures may be deceptive. For example, the census counts 3,890 housing units in Provincetown, but only 1,837 "households." And there is an apparent disparity between the census figures for median household income ($32,716) and median home value ($323,600).

Part-time residents are not counted in the census. These people may own a second home in the town or pay rent for up to six months each year. Many of them pay property and other taxes, hold jobs in the community and even own businesses.