Sharon is a town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 17,408. For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Sharon, please see the article Sharon (CDP), Massachusetts.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 62.6 km2 (24.2 mi2). 60.4 km2 (23.3 mi2) of it is land and 2.2 km2 (0.9 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 3.56% water. This includes Lake Massapoag, which is one of the town's most prominent features. Massapoag is a popular recreational site for swimming and boating. These characteristics were largely responsible for the town's early development as a summer resort location.
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 17,408 people, 5,934 households, and 4,931 families residing in the town. The population density is 288.3/km2 (747.0/mi2). There are 6,026 housing units at an average density of 99.8/km2 (258.6/mi2). The racial makeup of the town is 89.95% White, 3.39% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 4.86% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 5,934 households out of which 45.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.8% are married couples living together, 6.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 16.9% are non-families. 14.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.92 and the average family size is 3.25.
In the town the population is spread out with 30.2% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $89,256, and the median income for a family is $99,015. Males have a median income of $70,563 versus $46,774 for females. The per capita income for the town is $41,323. 3.0% of the population and 2.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.2% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Sharon was first settled in 1650 and was officially incorporated in 1775.
In front of the Sharon Public Library stands a statue of Deborah Sampson, Sharon's town heroine. Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War.
The Unitarian Church in Sharon Center has a church bell manufactured by Paul Revere.
There are 7 Jewish Houses of Worship and 6 Christian churches. In addition, there is a National Islamic Center (Sharon Mosque). Together, this adds up to 14 religious centers for the town of 17,000.
Source:
SharonMassachusetts.com
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