Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Ashburnham is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts. At the 2000 census the town had a total population of 5,546.
For geographic and demographic information on the village of South Ashburnham, please see the article South Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
History
Ashburnham was first settled in 1736, and was officially incorporated in 1765.
Ashburnam was originally made up of the lands granted to officers and soldiers of a 1690 expedition to Canada during the French and Indian War. It was called the Plantation of Dorchester-Canada until it was incorporated.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 106.2 km² (41.0 mi²). 100.2 km² (38.7 mi²) of it is land and 6.0 km² (2.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 5.68% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 5,546 people, 1,929 households, and 1,541 families residing in the town. The population density was 55.4/km² (143.4/mi²). There were 2,204 housing units at an average density of 22.0/km² (57.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.66% White, 0.22% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. 1.66% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,929 households out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.8% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.4% 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 3.20.
In the town the population was spread out with 29.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $55,568, and the median income for a family was $58,993. Males had a median income of $41,980 versus $31,823 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,659. 6.4% of the population and 4.8% of families were below the poverty line. 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 6.4% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Education
Schools in Ashburnham include:
- John R. Briggs elementary School
- Overlook Middle School (Regional)
- Oakmont Regional High School
- Cushing Academy
Miscellaneous
Ashburnham is the starting point for the Wapack Trail and Massachusetts Midstate Trail.
