Hawley, Massachusetts
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| Hawley, Massachusetts | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Franklin County |
| Settled | 1760 |
| Incorporated | 1792 |
| Government | |
| - Type | Open town meeting |
| Area | |
| - Town | 30.9 sq mi (80.0 km²) |
| - Land | 30.9 sq mi (79.9 km²) |
| - Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,752 ft (534 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Town | 336 |
| - Density | 10.9/sq mi (4.2/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 01339 |
| Area code(s) | 413 |
Hawley is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 336 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] History
Hawley was first settled in 1760 and was officially incorporated in 1792, the same year Kentucky became a state.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 80.0 km² (30.9 mi²). 79.9 km² (30.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.06%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 336 people, 137 households, and 99 families residing in the town. The population density was 4.2/km² (10.9/mi²). There were 192 housing units at an average density of 2.4/km² (6.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.32% White, 0.30% African American, 0.89% Asian, and 1.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.30% of the population.
There were 137 households out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.0% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 108.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $46,875. Males had a median income of $30,833 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,333. About 11.8% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Notable town features
The town of Hawley is home to the Hawley Bog, one of few bogs in New England to be preserved in its natural state. The Kennneth Debuque State Forrest (Hawely state forest) covers roughly half the land and is frequently used by hikers, skiers, cyclists and horseback riders. The roads in the forrest are not decommissioned so all motorized vehicles must be registered with the state to use the forest.
[edit] Industry
The town has very little industry. There are a few remaining farms, artisans and small businesses. Most people commute out of the town, work from home or work for municipalities. The town has no gas stations, convenient stores or liquor stores so it is a "dry town" Stumpsprouts located on West Hill Road is perhaps the biggest business in town. Stumpsprouts It is said to be the finest ski touring in New England and it also has a guest lodge open year round for family reuinions, retreats and weddings.
