Wales is a town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,737.

History

Wale was first settled in 1726 and was officially incorporated in 1775.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.3 km² (16.0 mi²). 40.8 km² (15.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.32% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,737 people, 660 households, and 481 families residing in the town. The population density is 42.6/km² (110.3/mi²). There are 796 housing units at an average density of 19.5/km² (50.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.75% White, 0.52% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 660 households out of which 33.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% are married couples living together, 11.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% are non-families. 20.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the town the population is spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $48,906, and the median income for a family is $51,629. Males have a median income of $39,766 versus $27,557 for females. The per capita income for the town is $21,267. 3.5% of the population and 1.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.2% of those under the age of 18 and 3.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.