Rockport, Texas
Rockport is a city located in Aransas County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 7,385. It is the county seat of Aransas CountyTemplate:GR. The town is named for the rock ledge underlying its shore. It is located south of the Live Oak Peninsula, which stretches out into Copano Bay.
Rockport Texas is a charming little coastal town of approximately 8000 friendly people. Part of the town's charm comes from the fact that civic minded locals have helped preserve the town's "small town" feel while at the same time welcoming limited development. The towns of Rockport and Fulton intermingle and many refer to the area as "Rockport - Fulton". The community boasts a unique Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Park, numerous art galleries and unique shops. Rockport is widely known as an artists haven and many styles and disciplines are represented. Birders will find more opportunities to add to their life lists here than almost anywhere else in North America. Two local operators offer tours of nesting Whooping Cranes in the wintertime and local organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching areas that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbird, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residents where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders. The city's beachfront park has won national awards for cleanliness and the whole Aransas Bay beckonds the sportsman, sailor and power boater with miles of uncrowded waters. The city hosts several fairs and expostions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. Rockport is still relatively undiscovered by developers so there are real estate bargains to be found, therefore many winter residents have returned to live year round. Challenges to the town are the same as those faced by many other small, growing coastal communities such as the ability to preserve local character, nature and wetlands, and keep city infrastructure growing at a pace with community needs. Rockport is poised for unprecedented growth and opportunity for several reasons. Those are: 1. A growing population of retirement age adults nationwide who seek to live in an affordable, recreationally based community. 2. The availability of affordable waterfront and near water real estate which does not exist elsewhere in the United States. 3. The economic potential of a master-planned area along the downtown waterfront which will include unique shops and galleries, a marina, and upscale housing.
Geography
Rockport is located at 28°1'52" North, 97°2'60" West (28.031032, -97.049990)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.6 km² (14.5 mi²). 24.3 km² (9.4 mi²) of it is land and 13.3 km² (5.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 35.29% water.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Rockport%2C_Texas"
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 7,385 people, 3,157 households, and 2,127 families residing in the city. The population density is 303.7/km² (786.4/mi²). There are 4,533 housing units at an average density of 186.4/km² (482.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 88.68% White, 1.31% African American, 0.50% Native American, 3.64% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 3.40% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. 19.50% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,157 households out of which 24.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% are married couples living together, 11.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% are non-families. 28.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.26 and the average family size is 2.74.
In the city the population is spread out with 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 46 years. For every 100 females there are 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $32,741, and the median income for a family is $40,880. Males have a median income of $36,195 versus $22,697 for females. The per capita income for the city is $25,135. 20.4% of the population and 16.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 42.3% of those under the age of 18 and 6.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.