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Dukes County, Massachusetts

Coordinates: 41°22′N 70°42′W / 41.37°N 70.70°W / 41.37; -70.70
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Dukes County
County
County of Dukes County
County Administration Building at the Martha's Vineyard Airport
County Administration Building at the Martha's Vineyard Airport
Official seal of Dukes County
Seal
Map of Massachusetts highlighting Dukes County
Location within the U.S. state of Massachusetts
Map of the United States highlighting Massachusetts
Massachusetts's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°24′53″N 70°36′46″W / 41.414841°N 70.612679°W / 41.414841; -70.612679
Country United States
State Massachusetts
Founded1695
Named forJames, Duke of York
SeatEdgartown
Largest townOak Bluffs
Area
 • Total
491 sq mi (1,270 km2)
 • Land103 sq mi (270 km2)
 • Water388 sq mi (1,000 km2)  79%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
20,600
 • Density199.6/sq mi (77.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district9th
Websitewww.dukescounty.org

Dukes County is a county in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. At the 2020 census, the population was 20,600,[1] making it the second-least populous county in Massachusetts. Its county seat is Edgartown.[2]

Dukes County comprises the Vineyard Haven, MA Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county consists of 32 named islands,[3] the largest of which is Martha's Vineyard. It also includes Chappaquiddick Island (sometimes peninsula of the Vineyard), the Elizabeth Islands, including Cuttyhunk, and Nomans Land.

History

[edit]
An early seal of the Dukes County government, c. 1722, representing a crude portrayal of grapevines

The original inhabitants of the islands were Wampanoag, who had several villages. Political jurisdiction over the lands were granted by the English monarchy in overlapping claims to two different British nobles, from which Massachusetts Bay Company settler Thomas Mayhew purchased them in 1641. Mayhew established a colony in his new domain, carefully purchasing land ownership rights from the native inhabitants, and maintaining native governments to continue unimpeded. In 1665, Mayhew's lands were included in a grant to James, Duke of York (later King James II). In 1671, a settlement was arranged, allowing Mayhew to continue to rule while placing his territory under the jurisdiction of the Province of New York.

Dukes County was thus established as Dukes County, New York, on November 1, 1683, and included all of Mayhew's lands – Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands. The county was transferred to Massachusetts on October 7, 1691, and at the same time Nantucket Island was split into the separate Nantucket County, Massachusetts. The 1695 incorporation statute created a county "by the name of Dukes County," as opposed to the standard form "the county of Dukes" which is the reason for the redundancy in the formal name, "County of Dukes County".[4]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 491 square miles (1,270 km2), of which 103 square miles (270 km2) is land and 388 square miles (1,000 km2) (79%) is water.[5] It is the third-smallest county by land area in Massachusetts.

Named Islands

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Nearby counties

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National protected area

[edit]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17903,255—
18003,118−4.2%
18103,2905.5%
18203,2920.1%
18303,5176.8%
18403,95812.5%
18504,54014.7%
18604,403−3.0%
18703,787−14.0%
18804,30013.5%
18904,3691.6%
19004,5614.4%
19104,504−1.2%
19204,372−2.9%
19304,95313.3%
19405,66914.5%
19505,633−0.6%
19605,8293.5%
19706,1174.9%
19808,94246.2%
199011,63930.2%
200014,98728.8%
201016,53510.3%
202020,60024.6%
2023 (est.)20,819[8]1.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010[13] 2020[14]

2020 census

[edit]
Dukes County, Massachusetts - Demographic Profile
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2010[13] Pop 2020[14] % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 14,275 16,230 86.33% 78.79%
Black or African American alone (NH) 477 795 2.88% 3.86%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 175 202 1.06% 0.98%
Asian alone (NH) 123 184 0.74% 0.89%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 4 9 0.02% 0.04%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 571 701 3.45% 3.40%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) 526 1,945 3.18% 9.44%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 384 534 2.32% 2.59%
Total 16,535 20,600 100.00% 100.00%

Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.

2010 census

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At the 2010 census, there were 16,535 people, 7,368 households, and 4,221 families living in the county.[15] The population density was 160.2 inhabitants per square mile (61.9/km2). There were 17,188 housing units at an average density of 166.5 per square mile (64.3/km2).[16] The racial makeup of the county was 87.6% white, 3.1% black or African American, 1.1% American Indian, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 3.9% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.3% of the population.[15]

The largest ancestry groups were:[17]

  • 18.5% Irish
  • 17.1% English
  • 11.7% Portuguese
  • 10.0% American
  • 9.2% German
  • 7.6% Italian
  • 5.5% French
  • 2.9% West Indian
  • 2.9% Scottish
  • 2.5% Dutch
  • 2.3% Scotch-Irish
  • 2.1% Swedish
  • 2.1% Polish
  • 1.9% French Canadian
  • 1.4% Russian
  • 1.1% Arab
  • 1.0% Sub-Saharan African

Of the 7,368 households, 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 42.7% were non-families, and 33.4% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.81. The median age was 45.3 years.[15]

The median household income was $62,407 and the median family income was $77,231. Males had a median income of $43,850 versus $41,994 for females. The per capita income for the county was $33,390. About 5.5% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.[18]

2000 census

[edit]

At the 2000 census there were 14,987 people, 6,421 households, and 3,788 families living in the county. The population density was 144 inhabitants per square mile (56/km2). There were 14,836 housing units at an average density of 143 per square mile (55/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 90.69% White, 2.40% Black or African American, 1.71% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.48% from other races, and 3.19% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.4% were of English, 13.3% Irish, 8.6% Portuguese, 6.4% Italian and 5.7% American ancestry, 93.1% spoke English, 3.7% Portuguese and 1.7% Spanish as their first language and 0.285% speak Irish at home.[19] Of the 6,421 households 28.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.40% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.00% were non-families. 32.00% of households were one person and 11.10% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.91.

The age distribution was 22.70% under the age of 18, 5.50% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 27.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.40% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.

The median household income was $45,559 and the median family income was $55,018. Males had a median income of $38,945 versus $30,346 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,472. About 5.00% of families and 7.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.40% of those under age 18 and 5.30% of those age 65 or over.

Real estate

[edit]

As of the fourth quarter 2021, the median value of homes in Dukes County was $883,820, an increase of 22.3% from the prior year.[20]

Demographic breakdown by town

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Income

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See also: List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income

The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective if the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.[21][22][23]

Rank Town Per capita
income 		Median
household
income 		Median
family
income 		Population Number of
households
1 Chilmark Town $45,210 $59,583 $79,688 801 302
2 Edgartown Town $38,083 $74,214 $82,583 4,034 1,466
3 West Tisbury Town $36,592 $75,759 $87,566 2,506 926
Massachusetts State $35,051 $65,981 $83,371 6,512,227 2,522,409
Dukes County County $33,228 $69,760 $82,659 16,353 5,568
Vineyard Haven CDP $30,298 $77,935 $92,112 2,465 652
4 Gosnold Town $29,511 $52,813 $61,250 183 63
5 Tisbury Town $29,384 $54,762 $60,521 3,914 1,290
6 Oak Bluffs Town $29,117 $78,890 $84,846 4,449 1,429
United States Country $27,915 $52,762 $64,293 306,603,772 114,761,359
7 Aquinnah Town $25,512 $82,500 $106,250 466 92

Religion

[edit]
Year 1980 1990 2000 2010
Religion Congregations Adherents Congregations Adherents Congregations Adherents Congregations Adherents
Catholic Church 3 2,000 3 5,000 3 9,951 3 12,896
Episcopal Church 2 871 3 562 3 608 3 473
United Methodist 6 620 6 587 5 524 2 176
American Baptist 3 279 3 403 3 461 4 456
Regular Baptist 0 n/a 1 62 1 83 1 90
United Church of Christ 1 110 1 166 1 217 1 165
Unitarian-Universalist 1 83 1 83 1 83 1 74
Assemblies of God 1 5 1 69 2 174 1 160
Friends (Quakers) 1 n/a 1 22 1 52 1 9
Church of Christ, Scientist n/a n/a 1 n/a 1 n/a 1 n/a
Congregational n/a n/a 1 300 1 295 1 331
Jehovah's Witnesses n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 n/a
Evangelical Christian 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 1 60
Mormon n/a n/a 1 27 1 49 1 84
Buddhist 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 1 72
Jewish 1 138 1 260 1 300 1 923
Ba'hai 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 4
Unaffiliated 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a 0 10,562

Politics

[edit]
United States presidential election results for Dukes County, Massachusetts[24]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 2,745 22.48% 9,137 74.84% 327 2.68%
2020 2,631 20.56% 9,914 77.47% 253 1.98%
2016 2,477 21.22% 8,400 71.95% 797 6.83%
2012 2,792 25.46% 7,978 72.74% 198 1.81%
2008 2,442 23.14% 7,913 74.98% 198 1.88%
2004 2,602 26.03% 7,265 72.67% 130 1.30%
2000 2,315 26.14% 5,474 61.81% 1,067 12.05%
1996 1,739 22.58% 5,137 66.70% 826 10.72%
1992 1,827 23.16% 4,292 54.41% 1,769 22.43%
1988 2,441 34.75% 4,495 63.99% 89 1.27%
1984 2,788 45.52% 3,313 54.09% 24 0.39%
1980 1,809 33.52% 2,370 43.91% 1,218 22.57%
1976 2,365 46.06% 2,513 48.94% 257 5.00%
1972 2,312 53.32% 2,001 46.15% 23 0.53%
1968 1,576 49.31% 1,540 48.19% 80 2.50%
1964 1,015 31.58% 2,187 68.05% 12 0.37%
1960 1,998 60.80% 1,282 39.01% 6 0.18%
1956 2,618 82.85% 541 17.12% 1 0.03%
1952 2,432 76.05% 760 23.76% 6 0.19%
1948 1,731 69.69% 720 28.99% 33 1.33%
1944 1,372 61.41% 861 38.54% 1 0.04%
1940 1,643 61.54% 1,014 37.98% 13 0.49%
1936 1,655 63.29% 931 35.60% 29 1.11%
1932 1,330 68.80% 583 30.16% 20 1.03%
1928 1,487 75.94% 470 24.00% 1 0.05%
1924 1,182 86.91% 108 7.94% 70 5.15%
1920 1,013 86.73% 150 12.84% 5 0.43%
1916 464 58.96% 309 39.26% 14 1.78%
1912 269 34.75% 215 27.78% 290 37.47%
1908 589 76.79% 133 17.34% 45 5.87%
1904 602 80.16% 120 15.98% 29 3.86%
1900 617 79.10% 114 14.62% 49 6.28%
1896 691 80.54% 91 10.61% 76 8.86%
1892 588 66.52% 238 26.92% 58 6.56%
1888 570 64.19% 199 22.41% 119 13.40%
1884 568 67.70% 202 24.08% 69 8.22%
1880 576 76.60% 174 23.14% 2 0.27%
1876 399 72.81% 149 27.19% 0 0.00%
1872 556 82.74% 116 17.26% 0 0.00%
1868 436 80.15% 108 19.85% 0 0.00%

As does the rest of the state of Massachusetts, Dukes County heavily supports the Democratic Party. The last Republican Party candidate to receive over 40% of the county's vote was Ronald Reagan in 1984, and the last Republican to win the county was Richard Nixon in 1972. Before 1964, however, the county was a stronghold of the Republicans, supporting Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 by an especially large margin, well over 50%, and was one of the few counties where William Howard Taft finished ahead of Woodrow Wilson in 1912. (See table).

Voter registration

[edit]
Voter registration and party enrollment as of February 2024[25]
Unenrolled 9,710 58.16%
Democratic 5,762 34.51%
Republican 1,117 6.69%
Libertarian 42 0.25%
Other parties 65 0.39%
Total 16,696 100%

Communities

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Towns

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Census-designated places

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Other villages

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Education

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School districts include:[26]

K-12:

Secondary:

Elementary:

See also

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ "Dukes County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 4, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Cheek, Alexander (January 6, 2023). "Martha's Vineyard Map". Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  4. ^ Dukes County, MA – An Ancient Heritage Archived May 2, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  6. ^ "Skiff's Island Is Here Today But Gone Tomorrow". The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  7. ^ Baer, Chris (May 13, 2015). "This was then: Ferry Boat Island". Martha’s Vineyard Times. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  8. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "Decennial Census by Decade". US Census Bureau.
  10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  11. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Dukes County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau.
  14. ^ a b "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Dukes County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau.
  15. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  16. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  17. ^ "DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  18. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  19. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  20. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. January 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  21. ^ "SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  22. ^ "ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  23. ^ "HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  24. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  25. ^ "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts" (PDF). Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. February 24, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  26. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Dukes County, MA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 22, 2022. - Text list
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41°22′N 70°42′W / 41.37°N 70.70°W / 41.37; -70.70

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