A coffeeshop along Main Street in Mystic

Mystic is a census-designated place located in New London County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 4,001.

Historically a leading seaport of the area, the story of the town's nautical connection is told at the Mystic Seaport, the world's largest maritime museum, which has preserved both a number of sailing ships (most notably the whaler Charles W. Morgan) and the seaport buildings ashore. The town is located on the Mystic River, which flows into Long Island Sound, providing access to the sea. The Mystic River Bascule Bridge crosses the river in the center of town.

A major New England tourist destination, the town is also home to the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, notable for its research department, dedication to marinelife rehabilitation and not capitivity, and its popular beluga whales. A tourist area with gift shops and eating establishments lines Main Street on either side of the bascule bridge over the Mystic River.

The 1988 film, Mystic Pizza, was filmed in the town. It is set at a restaurant of the same name, which is still open and popular with tourists.

Geography

Tourists look into the famous pizza parlor in Mystic

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.8 km² (3.8 mi²). 8.7 km² (3.3 mi²) of it is land and 1.1 km² (0.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 11.61% water. The town is on the east bank of the estuary of the Mystic River.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 4,001 people, 1,797 households, and 995 families residing in the CDP. The population density is 461.1/km² (1,192.7/mi²). There are 1,988 housing units at an average density of 229.1/km² (592.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP is 95.78% White, 0.80% African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.35% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. 1.35% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,797 households out of which 20.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% are married couples living together, 7.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 44.6% are non-families. 35.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.10 and the average family size is 2.76.

In the CDP the population is spread out with 16.7% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP is $62,236, and the median income for a family is $70,625. Males have a median income of $50,036 versus $32,400 for females. The per capita income for the CDP is $33,376. 3.1% of the population and 1.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• Town of Mystic, CT (http://www.mystic.ct.us/) - official government website
• Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (http://www.mysticaquarium.org/)
• Mystic Seaport (http://www.mysticseaport.org/)
• Mystic & More (http://www.mysticmore.com/) - regional tourism website
• Mystic Pizza (http://www.mysticpizza.com/) - restaurant's official website