Denton, Maryland

History

Denton was established in 1781. It was first called Eden Town, for Sir Robert Eden, the last royal governor of Maryland, and over time Eden Town was shortened to Denton. The town was incorporated in 1802.

Geography

Denton is located at 38°53′2″N 75°49′36″W (38.883853, -75.826556).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.50 square miles (14.24 km²), of which, 5.28 square miles (13.68 km²) is land and 0.22 square miles (0.57 km²) is water.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Denton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,418 people, 1,606 households, and 1,034 families residing in the town. The population density was 836.7 inhabitants per square mile (323.1/km²). There were 1,791 housing units at an average density of 339.2 per square mile (131.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 71.8% White, 22.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,606 households of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.6% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.17.

The median age in the town was 35.8 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.1% were from 25 to 44; 23.1% were from 45 to 64; and 15.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,960 people, 1,140 households, and 697 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,205.0 people per square mile (464.6/km²). There were 1,264 housing units at an average density of 514.6 per square mile (198.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 71.66% White, 25.44% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.86% of the population.

There were 1,140 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the town, the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,936, and the median income for a family was $42,583. Males had a median income of $27,475 versus $20,504 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,631. About 6.6% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Town officials and staff

Media

Denton is home to WKDI radio (840 AM). It also is served by a weekly newspaper, the Times-Record, and a monthly magazine, the Caroline Review.

Transportation

The town is served by Maryland Routes 404, 313, 328, 16, and 619. It borders the Choptank River.

Notable people

Neighborhoods