Every now and again, it is worthwhile to look at our community by the numbers. We at the Times went to the latest U.S. Census data and found that our town is not only making some positive strides, but is also unique compared to some of its area peers.
As of 2007, the latest year of information available, Dorchester's population was 630 people, according to the census' unofficial numbers. Since 2000, the village has had a population growth of 2.44 percent.
Other items of interest we found include:
- The median home cost in Dorchester was $104,700. Home appreciation from 2006 to 2007 was been -0.66 percent.
- Compared to the rest of the country, Dorchester's cost of living was 23 percent lower than the U.S. average.
- Dorchester public schools spent $5,669 per student in 2007. The average school expenditure in the U.S. that year was $6,058. There are about 10 students per teacher in Dorchester.
- The unemployment rate in Dorchester was 2.70 percent 18 months ago. Recent job growth is positive.
- About half of Dorchester's residents regularly attend religious services, with about 14 percent Catholic; 27.42 percent Protestant; and 8.32 percent of another Christian faith.
- About 43 percent of the people in Dorchester are registered as Democrats, while 55 percent are registered Republican. Remaining are independent: 1.35 percent.
- The median age in Dorchester is 38, compared to the national median of 37.6. About 66 percent of people in Dorchester are married, while 6.5 percent are divorced. Just over 9 percent have children, but are single.
- The average one-way commute to and from work for Dorchester residents is 23 minutes. About 79 percent of commuters drive their own car alone, while 16 percent carpool with others. About 1 percent work of residents from home.
- Dorchester's median household income in 2007 was $42,717.
Just a quick FYI:
ReplyDeleteBased on reports that Nebraska schools file with the Dept of Education, Dorchester's cost per student in 2006/07 was $9,063 and in 2007/08 Dorchester's cost per student was $10,128. Patrons should be pleased to see that Dorchester was right about at the state average for spending per student -- $10,061.
Was your source for this info from US Census data? It would be interesting to see the components of this calculation.
'Anonymous':
ReplyDeleteAll data was indeed taken from the U.S. Census Bureau.
We would not even attempt to explain the discrepancies between the two figures.
Pehaps a reader with sufficient knowledge will provide a clarification.
Thank you for your research.
What is the amount of money that the school district receives for option enrollment students??
ReplyDeleteAny ideas??
State aid is state aid ... the legislature's dollars don't discriminate. Its all based on your schools enrollment, which is why you have schools across the state fighting for other districts kids. Perfect example is Rising City which would be gone if it wasn't for option enrollees coming from Columbus. McCool might be boarded up if it wasn't for York kids. Instead they have a new school. Dorchester is in a position to get Crete kids if they want them. Otherwise many will likely go to Milford or Wilber or even Tri-County according to what I'm hearing from younger Crete parents.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a "new era" if Crete kids come to Wilber. Although it happened once before in the 1960's when several Crete families became angry with the Crete school board. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the reason!
ReplyDelete