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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.