Atkinson, New Hampshire

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Atkinson, New Hampshire
Location in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Location in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Coordinates: 42°50′18″N 71°08′49″W / 42.83833, -71.14694
Country United States
State New Hampshire
County Rockingham
Incorporated 1767
Government
 - Board of Selectmen Fred Childs, Chairman
Jack Sapia
Paul Sullivan
Area
 - Total 11.3 sq mi (29.2 km²)
 - Land 11.1 sq mi (28.8 km²)
 - Water 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²)  1.42%
Elevation 302 ft (92 m)
Population (2000)
 - Total 6,178
 - Density 555.2/sq mi (214.3/km²)
Time zone Eastern (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) Eastern (UTC-4)
ZIP code 03811
Area code(s) 603
FIPS code 33-02340
GNIS feature ID 0873535
Website: www.town-atkinsonnh.com

Atkinson is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 6,178 at the 2000 census.

Contents

[edit] History

Atkinson 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 live in Atkinson, along with famous politicians and businessmen. Atkinson’s 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] Notable inhabitants

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29 km²), of which 11.1 sq mi (29 km²) is land and 0.2 sq mi (0.52 km²) is water, comprising 1.42% of the town. The highest point in Atkinson is Hog Hill, at 430 feet (130 m) above sea level. Atkinson lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.[1]

[edit] Demographics

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 6,178 people, 2,317 households, and 1,777 families residing in the town. The population density was 555.2 people per square mile (214.3/km²). There were 2,431 housing units at an average density of 218.5/sq mi (84.3/km²). 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] References

  1. ^ Foster, Debra H.; Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.; and Medalie, Laura (1995). Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers. U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey. 
  2. ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.

[edit] External links

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