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Renting an Apartment in Bensalem
Bensalem Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States.
The township is composed of many communities, including Bensalem, Trevose,
Oakford, Cornwells Heights, Eddington, and Andalusia. As of the 2000 census, the
township had a total population of 58,434, which makes it the tenth largest
municipality in Pennsylvania. The township, which was founded in 1692, is almost
as old as the state of Pennsylvania itself, which was founded in 1682.
Geography
Bensalem is the southernmost township in Bucks County and is bordered by
Philadelphia to the west and south, Croydon to the east, Bristol Township to the
northeast, Hulmeville and Middletown Township to the north, and Feasterville,
Trevose, and Lower Southampton Township to the northwest. Across the Delaware
River in Burlington County, New Jersey to the southeast, there are Beverly,
Delanco Township, and Edgewater Park Township..
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of
54.3 km˛ (21.0 mi˛). 51.7 km˛ (20.0 mi˛) of it is land and 2.6 km˛ (1.0 mi˛) of
it (4.77%) is water.
The Fall line, which separates the Atlantic Coastal Plain region from the
Piedmont region, runs through Bensalem, and is visible around the Neshaminy Mall
area.
Demographics
Bensalem has a large and fast-growing foreign-born population, which includes
large concentrations of Indians, Mexican, Russian, West Indian and Korean
immigrants.
As of the census˛ of 2000, there were 58,434 people, 22,627 households, and
15,114 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,129.8/km˛
(2,926.7/mi˛). There were 23,535 housing units at an average density of
455.0/km˛ (1,178.8/mi˛). The racial makeup of the township was 82.90% White,
6.93% African American, 0.22% Native American, 6.61% Asian, 0.05% Pacific
Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or
Latino of any race were 4.29% of the population.
There are 22,627 households of which 30.6% have children under the age of 18
living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female
householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 26.3% of all
households were made up of individuals and 7.9% 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 3.14.
In the township the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18,
8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were
65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females
there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9
males.
The median income for a household in the township was $49,737, and the median
income for a family was $58,771. Males had a median income of $39,914 versus
$30,926 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,517. 7.4% of
the population and 6.0% of families were below the poverty line. Of the total
population, 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 10.6% of those 65 and older
were living below the poverty line.
Philadelphia Park Racetrack & Casino
Bensalem is home to Philadelphia Park Racetrack, a 1 mile thoroughbred horse
racing track. This facility opened in November 1974 as Keystone Racetrack. The
name was changed to Philadelphia Park in 1984. The track has become notable for
being the original home of 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion
Smarty Jones. A new multi-million dollar slot-casino has been built on the
grounds of Philadelphia Park, to be followed by a large, luxury hotel and
eventually a golf course.
Government
In 1987, the people of Bensalem voted to become a second-class township with a 5
member council and a mayor. The township also has its own 9-member school board.
The current Republican mayor, Joseph DiGirolamo, is in his 4th consecutive term.
Neshaminy Mall
Neshaminy Mall is located within Bensalem. It was one of the first malls to be
constructed in the country. It has four main anchors (three department stores
and one movie theatre) and over 120 smaller shops and eateries. The AMC
Neshaminy 24 Theater was the largest theater in Pennsylvania when it opened.