Somers, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Somers is a town
in Tolland County
, Connecticut
, USA
. The population was 10,417 at the 2000 census. The town center is listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
(CDP). In 2007, Money Magazine
named Somers, Connecticut 53rd on its list of 100 Best Places to Live, based on "economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community."
Bordering Massachusetts
, Somers, Connecticut is considered part of the City of Springfield, Massachusetts
NECTA. Somers is only 9 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, and considered more oriented toward it than the City of Hartford, Connecticut
which lies 16 miles to the south.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 28.5 square miles (73.8 km²), of which, 28.3 square miles (73.3 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.49%) is water. The town center CDP has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²), all land.
The town's highest point, Bald Mountain, at 1121 feet (341.7 m) is the highest point along the Connecticut River
Valley in Connecticut. The rounded hill summit was recently purchased by the town and can be seen for many miles around.
of 2000, there were 10,417 people, 2,925 households, and 2,337 families residing in the town. The population density
was 367.6 people per square mile (141.9/km²). There were 3,012 housing units at an average density of 106.3 per square mile (41.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 82.97% White, 9.82% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 4.00% from other races
, and 1.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.10% of the population.
There were 2,925 households out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the town the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 154.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 171.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $65,273, and the median income for a family was $71,757. Males had a median income of $49,766 versus $35,329 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $23,952. About 3.7% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.
2 of 2000, there were 1,626 people, 628 households, and 457 families residing in the town center CDP. The population density
was 777.3 inhabitants per square mile (300.4/km²). There were 645 housing units at an average density of 308.3 per square mile (119.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.15% White, 0.18% African American, 0.55% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races
, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.
There were 628 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples
living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $54,625, and the median income for a family was $64,107. Males had a median income of $45,893 versus $31,736 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $24,874. About 4.0% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
and Osborn Correctional Institution, are in Somers. Northern houses the state's death row for men. Osborn houses the state's execution chamber.
Somers Elementary (SES).
Mabelle B. Avery Middle School.
Somers High School.
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Tolland County
Tolland County, Connecticut
Tolland County is a county located in the northeastern part of Connecticut. As of 2010, the population was 152,691.Counties in Connecticut have no governmental function: all legal power is vested in the state, city, and town governments...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 10,417 at the 2000 census. The town center is listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP). In 2007, Money Magazine
Money Magazine
Money Magazine is a business news and financial programme that is broadcast on Sundays at 7:00pm in Hong Kong by television channel TVB Pearl.-Producers and reporters:...
named Somers, Connecticut 53rd on its list of 100 Best Places to Live, based on "economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community."
Bordering Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, Somers, Connecticut is considered part of the City of Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
NECTA. Somers is only 9 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, and considered more oriented toward it than the City of Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
which lies 16 miles to the south.
Geography
Somers is located at 41°59′7"N 72°26′48"W.According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 28.5 square miles (73.8 km²), of which, 28.3 square miles (73.3 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.49%) is water. The town center CDP has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²), all land.
The town's highest point, Bald Mountain, at 1121 feet (341.7 m) is the highest point along the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
Valley in Connecticut. The rounded hill summit was recently purchased by the town and can be seen for many miles around.
Neighborhoods
- Central Somers, or Somers Center, location of Somers Historic DistrictSomers Historic DistrictSomers Historic District is a historic district in Somers, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.It includes Greek Revival, Colonial, and Federal architecture....
- Somersville
- North Somers
- Hall Hill
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 10,417 people, 2,925 households, and 2,337 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 367.6 people per square mile (141.9/km²). There were 3,012 housing units at an average density of 106.3 per square mile (41.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 82.97% White, 9.82% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 4.00% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.10% of the population.
There were 2,925 households out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the town the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 154.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 171.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $65,273, and the median income for a family was $71,757. Males had a median income of $49,766 versus $35,329 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $23,952. About 3.7% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.
Town center
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
2 of 2000, there were 1,626 people, 628 households, and 457 families residing in the town center CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 777.3 inhabitants per square mile (300.4/km²). There were 645 housing units at an average density of 308.3 per square mile (119.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.15% White, 0.18% African American, 0.55% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.
There were 628 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $54,625, and the median income for a family was $64,107. Males had a median income of $45,893 versus $31,736 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $24,874. About 4.0% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
Two Connecticut Department of Corrections prisons, Northern Correctional InstitutionNorthern Correctional Institution
Northern Correctional Institution is a high-security state prison in Somers, in the northern part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The prison houses the state's male death row inmates and convicts serving long sentences for violent crimes....
and Osborn Correctional Institution, are in Somers. Northern houses the state's death row for men. Osborn houses the state's execution chamber.
Education
Somers School District.Somers Elementary (SES).
Mabelle B. Avery Middle School.
Somers High School.
Famous residents, past and present
- George AbbeGeorge Abbe-Life:He graduated from the University of New Hampshire, in 1933, and the University of Iowa, in 1938.He taught at Mount Holyoke College, Yale University, University of Connecticut, Wayne State University, Columbia University, University of Maine, Orono, Springfield College, Central Connecticut...
(1911–1989), poet. - William StrongWilliam Strong (judge)William Strong was an American jurist and politician. He was a justice on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.-Early life:...
(1808–1895), US Congressman from Pennsylvania and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United StatesAssociate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United StatesAssociate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States are the members of the Supreme Court of the United States other than the Chief Justice of the United States...
was born in Somers. - "Little Sorrel," the favorite horse of Confederate general Stonewall JacksonStonewall Jacksonຄຽשת״ׇׂׂׂׂ֣|birth_place= Clarksburg, Virginia |death_place=Guinea Station, Virginia|placeofburial=Stonewall Jackson Memorial CemeteryLexington, Virginia|placeofburial_label= Place of burial|image=...
, was born at a farm in Somers.