Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts in the United States of America. Its population in the 2000 census was 172,648; a July 1, 2002 estimate put the city's population at 174,962. Its ZIP code is 016xx. It and Fitchburg are the county seats of Worcester County6.
In terms of population, Worcester is the third largest city in New England, behind Providence, Rhode Island and Boston.
"Worcester" is correctly pronounced with two syllables, not three: "wuss-ter." The first syllable of "Worcester" is accented and usually rhymes with the first syllable of "pussycat"; however, some residents pronounce "Worcester" to rhyme with "mister." (Most of the speakers in that group have the non-rhotic accent common in New England, and so would say "WIST-ah.")
History
Worcester was first settled in 1673 and was officially incorporated in 1684. The settlement was established as a town in 1722, and chartered as a city in 1848.
City Government
Worcester is governed by a combined City Manager/City Councilors form of government. A board of elected councilors acts as the legislative body, and the council-appointed manager handles the traditional mayoral functions.
City councilors can run as either a representivie of a city district, or as an at-large candidate. The candidate who recieves the greatest number of votes becomes the city mayor (unless the candidate specifically refuses to hold the post). Currently, there are 11 councilors: 6 At-Large and 5 district.
Geography
Worcester is located at 42°16'8" North, 71°48'14" West (42.268843, -71.803774)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 99.9 km² (38.6 mi²). 97.3 km² (37.6 mi²) of it is land and 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.59% water.
The Blackstone River passes through Worcester, but is almost completely covered as it passes through. Water Street (the traditional hub of Worcester's Jewish population, famed for its bakeries), and the appearance of the river just south of the city, are the only indications of its existence. Just as in Rome, Italy, there are seven very steep hills that comprise its topography. Lake Quinsigamond, on its eastern border, is frequently the site of rowing competitions.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 172,648 people, 67,028 households, and 39,211 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,774.8/km² (4,596.5/mi²). There are 70,723 housing units at an average density of 727.0/km² (1,882.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 77.11% White, 6.89% African American, 0.45% Native American, 4.87% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 7.24% from other races, and 3.39% from two or more races. 15.15% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 67,028 households out of which 29.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.3% are married couples living together, 15.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.5% are non-families. 33.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.41 and the average family size is 3.11.
The population is spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.7 males.
The median household income is $35,623, and the median family income is $42,988. Males have a median income of $36,190 versus $28,522 for females. The per capita income is $18,614. 17.9% of the population and 14.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.6% are under the age of 18 and 11.6% are 65 or older.
Landmarks
Worcester houses the American Antiquarian Society; Higgins Armory, the largest collection of arms and armor in the western hemisphere; the Worcester Art Museum, the Ecotarium, and the Worcester Centrum Centre.
Education
Colleges and Universities
The city is known for its numerous institutions of higher learning, including
- College of the Holy Cross (1843)
- Oread Institute (1849-closed, 1881)
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) (1865)
- Worcester State College (1874)
- Clark University (1887)
- Becker College, formerly Becker Junior College (1887)
- Assumption College (1904)
- Central New England College (1905-closed, 1989)
- Worcester Junior College (1905-merged with Becker College, 1989)
- Quinsigamond Community College (1963)
- University of Massachusetts Medical School (1970)
Preparatory Schools
Worcester Academy and the Bancroft School, two well-known preparatory schools, are located in Worcester.
The Highland Military Academy opened in 1856 but is now closed.
Public High Schools
The City of Worcester has five public high schools, Doherty Memorial High School, Burncoat High School, North High School, South High Community School, and Worcester Vocational High School.
The Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science, a public magnet school for science and mathematics founded in 1992, is located on the campus of WPI.