Athol is a census-designated place located in Worcester County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the area had a total population of 8,370.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.0 km² (8.5 mi²). 21.5 km² (8.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.12% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 8,370 people, 3,409 households, and 2,185 families residing in the area. The population density is 389.4/km² (1,008.1/mi²). There are 3,675 housing units at an average density of 171.0 persons/km² (442.6 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the area is 96.01% White, 0.76% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. 2.19% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,409 households out of which 31.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% are married couples living together, 13.3% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 35.9% are non-families. 30.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the area the population is spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the area is $31,630, and the median income for a family is $39,556. Males have a median income of $33,222 versus $22,563 for females. The per capita income for the area is $16,062. 10.3% of the population and 9.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 11.0% are under the age of 18 and 8.7% are 65 or older.