Topsfield, Massachusetts

Topsfield is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 6,141 at the 2000 census.

There is additional demographic information describing the central settlement within the town as a census-designated place. That data is also included in the aggregate numbers for the entire town that are reported here. For these details, please see the article Topsfield (CDP), Massachusetts.

History

Topsfield was first settled in 1635 and was officially incorporated in 1650.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.3 km² (12.8 mi²). 33.0 km² (12.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (0.78%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,141 people, 2,099 households, and 1,712 families residing in the town. The population density was 186.1/km² (482.1/mi²). There were 2,144 housing units at an average density of 65.0 persons/km² (168.3 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.75% White, 0.37% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,099 households out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 6.1% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 18.4% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the town the population was spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $96,430, and the median income for a family was $104,475. Males had a median income of $67,428 versus $43,780 for females. The per capita income for the town was $37,770. 1.7% of the population and 0.4% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 0.0% are under the age of 18 and 4.1% are 65 or older.

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield is the home of the Topsfield Fair, an agricultural fair founded in 1818. The oldest agricultural fair in America, it features carnival rides and games in addition to the more traditional attractions - exhibitions of livestock, rabbits and cavies, crafts, horses and produce. Most notable is the Giant Pumpkin competition. The 2004 winning pumpkin weighed 1,253 pounds and was grown by Steven Sperry of Johnston, RI.

Topsfield School System

The town has two schools - Steward School, serving preschool through third grade, Proctor Elementary School, serving fourth through sixth grade.

Points of interest

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

External links

Towns in Massachusetts | Essex County, Massachusetts

Topsfield (Massachusetts) | Topsfield