Foster, Rhode Island

Template:Rimap Foster is a town located in Providence County, Rhode Island. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 4,274.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 134.3 km² (51.9 mi²). 132.5 km² (51.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.9 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.41% water. Foster contains Rhode Island's highest point, Jerimoth Hill, with an elevation of 248 m (812 ft).

Famous Residents

• Theodore Foster — Senator, the town is named after him.
• Solomon Drowne — Physician, author, close friend of Foster. He lived on a farm called Mount Hygeia.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 4,274 people, 1,535 households, and 1,198 families residing in the town. The population density is 32.3/km² (83.6/mi²). There are 1,578 housing units at an average density of 11.9/km² (30.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.26% White, 0.21% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,535 households out of which 36.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.5% are married couples living together, 6.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% are non-families. 17.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.77 and the average family size is 3.14.

In the town the population is spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $59,673, and the median income for a family is $63,657. Males have a median income of $39,808 versus $30,632 for females. The per capita income for the town is $22,148. 3.4% of the population and 1.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 2.9% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Points of Interest

Foster is home to the Foster Town House. Built in 1795 and in use to this day, the Foster Town House is the oldest government meeting house of its type in the USA. Foster also contains Rhode Island's only covered bridge, known as the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. Built in 1994, it is a reproduction of an early 19th century specimen. Jerimoth Hill, the highest point of elevation in Rhode Island is located in Foster.