Atascadero, California, United States of America

Atascadero is a city located in San Luis Obispo County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 26,411.

Atascadero Geography

Atascadero is located at 35°29'3" North, 120°40'21" West (35.484283, -120.672486).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 69.3 km² (26.8 mi²). 69.3 km² (26.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.15% water.

Atascadero is primarily a residential community. The city has a rural character, and has many residential lots from 1/2 acre to over 5 acres in size. Many city residents keep livestock or grow agricultural crops on their property. The largest employer within city limits is Atascadero State Hospital, an accredited state facility for the treatment of persons with psychiatric illness, including persons convicted of crimes. Other large employers include retailers and the municipal government.

Atascadero has an unusual brown stone city administration building that features an octagonal dome. Constructed in 1922, the building has been designated a state historic landmark. It suffered significant damage in an earthquake on December 22, 2003, and is currently undergoing restoration.

Atascadero features many community events, including: Colony Days, an annual celebration of city heritage that features an extensive parade; a Wine Festival; Hot El Camino Cruise Nite; and others. The city is home to Charles Paddock Zoo at Atascadero Lake Park, which is the only zoo in the Central area. Notable residents of the zoo include a pair of Bengal tigers, capybaras, and large snakes.

Atascadero's downtown is anchored by the Carlton Hotel, which underwent a private multi-million-dollar renovation that was completed in 2005. The Carlton features a fine dining restaurant, casual restaurant, sushi bar, banquet facilities, and luxurious guest rooms.

Atascadero Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 26,411 people, 9,531 households, and 6,814 families residing in the city. The population density is 381.4/km² (987.8/mi²). There are 9,848 housing units at an average density of 142.2/km² (368.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 88.79% White, 2.36% African American, 0.94% Native American, 1.27% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 3.19% from other races, and 3.34% from two or more races. 10.54% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 9,531 households out of which 35.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% are married couples living together, 11.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% are non-families. 22.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.62 and the average family size is 3.05.

In the city the population is spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 106.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 105.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $48,725, and the median income for a family is $55,009. Males have a median income of $41,692 versus $29,740 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,029. 9.0% of the population and 6.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.7% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Atascadero History

Atascadero was founded in 1913 by Edward Gardner Lewis, but only became an incorporated the city in 1979.

External links

• City of Atascadero

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Atascadero,_California".