Oxford (town), Maine
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- See also: Oxford (CDP), Maine
Oxford is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,960 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 108.4 km² (41.8 mi²). 100.3 km² (38.7 mi²) of it is land and 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²) of it (7.50%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 3,960 people, 1,487 households, and 1,094 families residing in the town. The population density was 39.5/km² (102.3/mi²). There were 1,926 housing units at an average density of 19.2/km² (49.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.88% White, 0.25% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.
There were 1,487 households out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% 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 3.00.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $36,670, and the median income for a family was $38,438. Males had a median income of $27,957 versus $20,392 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,480. About 2.8% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Government
The town of Oxford is an organized township operated by a Town Manager (equivelant to a city Mayor) and 4 Selectman (men and/or women). The Selectman act as advisors to the town Manager and also act sort of like the "congress" or "senate" would in the United States' Executive Branch of government. The town's police department consists primarely of one Chief of Police, one detective, 3 full time patrol officers and several reserve (part-time) patrol officers. Neighboring police agencies consist of Norway Police Department, Paris Police Department, Mechanic Falls Police Department, Oxford County Sheriff's Office and Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office.
[edit] Recreation
Oxford is a unique town as it possess several different types of recreational activities as well as being within short driving distance from many other recreational locations. Oxford is home of the Oxford TD Banknorth 250 (formally known as the True Value 250) With it's 3/8 mile oval track (Oxford Plains Speedway). Many NASCAR legends have either raced or visited Oxford Plains Speedway (Ricky Craven, Kurt Busch and many more). The Oxford Fun Park offers family fun including miniature golf and go-cart racing. Approximately 1.5 miles south of the speedway on Route 26 is the Oxford Plains Tubing Park, offering exciting downhill snow tubing during the winter months. Several bodies of water (Thompson Lake, Hogan Pond, Whitney Pond, Mirror Pond and the Little Androscoggin River) offer scenic boating, fishing and canoeing for enjoyable family fun. Carters Ski on route 26 offers Kyaking and many miles of cross country ski trails. With a movie theater, Wal Mart and several other small shops and restauraunts throughout town, almost a whole day could be used up filling all your shopping needs. Two major Farm Markets offer the great taste of homemade ice cream and a petting zoo. The eastern part of Oxford that borders the town of Hebron, Paris and Mechanic Falls offers great wild turkey and deer hunting for the avid outdoorsman. Bethel ski area is about 30 miles north on Route 26, home of Sunday River in Newry, Maine. Scores of lakes, streams, rivers and ponds can be found within 50 miles of Oxford, nestled in the beautiful foot hills of the White Mountain National Forest (Oxford Hills Area).
