Atkinson, New Hampshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Atkinson, New Hampshire |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Rockingham County |
| Incorporated | 1767 |
| Board of Selectmen | Fred Childs, Chairman Jack Sapia Paul Sullivan |
| Area | |
| - Town | 29.2 km² (11.3 sq mi) |
| - Land | 28.8 km² (11.1 sq mi) |
| - Water | 0.4 km² (0.2 sq mi) 1.42% |
| Elevation | 92 m (302 ft) |
| Population | |
| - Town (2000) | 6,178 |
| - Density | 214.3/km² (555.2/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| Website: www.town-atkinsonnh.com | |
Atkinson is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, USA. The population was 6,178 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] History
Atkinson, NH has a rich history, dating back to the American Revolution. Atkinson Academy, the oldest co-educational school in the country, was founded as a boys' school in 1787 by Reverend Stephen Peabody, General Nathaniel Peabody and Doctor William Cogswell; it began admitting girls in 1791. The school building burnt to the ground in 1802, and was rebuilt in 1803 at a cost of $2,500. That building remains a part of the Academy, housing the fifth-grade classrooms. Other historic buildings, such the Atkinson Historical Society and Library, Rockwell School (current police station), and many more, grace this southern NH town with their rich historical value and education of the history of the area.
Relatives of former President John Quincy Adams lived in Atkinson, along with famous politicians and businessmen. Atkinson's bold history can be read about in depth in the book Atkinson Then and Now, which can be purchased at the Atkinson Public Library on Academy Avenue.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 29.2 km² (11.3 mi²). 28.8 km² (11.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water, comprising 1.42% of the town. The highest point in Atkinson is Hog Hill (430 feet / 131 meters above sea level).
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 6,178 people, 2,317 households, and 1,777 families residing in the town. The population density was 214.3/km² (555.2/mi²). There were 2,431 housing units at an average density of 84.3/km² (218.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.62% White, 0.26% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.70% of the population.
There were 2,317 households out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $69,729, and the median income for a family was $77,631. Males had a median income of $53,229 versus $34,760 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,412. About 2.3% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Economy
Many prominent businesses have come to grow in the town of Atkinson, such as Lewis Builders, and despite its size, there are many wealthy millionaires who reside in town. Many local schoolchildren convene at the Atkinson Village Store, and the Sunoco Station/Dunkin Donuts at the edge of town. Other small businesses include Stillwell's Ice Cream, many real estate companies and a dive shop.
[edit] External links
- Town of Atkinson, NH Official Website
- New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile
- Atkinson's Only Weather Website!
- Atkinson Academy, Grades 1-5
- Timberlane Regional Middle School, Grades 6-8, Located in Plaistow
- Timberlane Regional High School, Grades 9-12, Located in Plaistow
