Newburyport is a small coastal city located in Essex County, Massachusetts, 38 miles (61 km) northeast of Boston, on the Merrimack River. It had been one of the county seats of Essex County. In 1900, 14,478 people lived in Newburyport, Massachusetts; in 1910, 14,949; in 1920, 15, 618;and in 1940, 13,916. Although it is officially a city, its population of about 17,189 (according to the 2000 census) is closer to that of a town. Like many cities and towns in the area, numerous old buildings have been historically preserved, and consequently Newburyport enjoys a vibrant tourism industry.

Newburyport/Plum Island is world-famous as a “natural history” destination. Recognized as one of the nation’s finest birdwatching areas, birders and nature enthusiasts from around the world come to this area to observe a tremendous diversity of habitats and species. Whether you are interested in studying plants, birds, whales, or experiencing incredible habitats such as the salt marshes or tide pools, the Newburyport/Plum Island area offers all these and much more

A number of factors make Newburyport and Plum Island a four-season natural history destination. The large number of habitat types in close proximity-ocean, salt marshes, mud flats, freshwater ponds, mixed forests-attract a tremendous diversity of species.

History

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Newburyport was first settled in 1635, and incorporated as a town in 1764, and as a city in 1851. Situated near the mouth of the Merrimack River, Newburyport is a historic seaport on the North Shore.

Newburyport History Includes:

Notable Inhabitants:

Geography

Newburyport is located at 42°48'45" North, 70°52'39" West (42.812391, -70.877440)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.4 km2 (10.6 mi2). 21.7 km2 (8.4 mi2) of it is land and 5.7 km2 (2.2 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 20.77% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 17,189 people, 7,519 households, and 4,428 families residing in the city. The population density is 792.0/km2 (2,050.3/mi2). There are 7,897 housing units at an av ge density of 363.8/km2 (942.0/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 98.11% White, 0.42% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,519 households out of which 25.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% are non-families. 33.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The av ge household size is 2.24 and the av ge family size is 2.90.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $58,557, and the median income for a family is $73,306. Males have a median income of $51,831 versus $37,853 for females. The per capita income for the city is $34,187. 5.2% of the population and 2.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.3% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Points of interest

High Street is a remarkable street of fine old houses, linking the Atkinson Common (1893-1894) with the Bartlet Mall, site of the Charles Bulfinch-designed Essex County Superior Courthouse (1805). Laid out in 1801, the Bartlet Mall was redesigned in the 1880s by noted Boston landscape architect Charles Eliot, with later improvements by Arthur Shurcliff.