Buttonwillow, California

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Buttonwillow is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. The population was 1,266 at the 2000 census. The center of population of California is located in Buttonwillow [1].

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 External links

[edit] History

Buttonwillow was named for the buttonbush (Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis), which resembles the willow. A lone button bush served as a landmark on an old trans-valley trail, and was used by ancient Yokut Indian as a meeting place, later becoming the site of settlers' stock rodeos. This tree is listed as California Historical Landmark No. 492. This landmark is now know as the Buttonwillow Tree.

Buttonwillow is a major stop for motorists travelling on Interstate 5. It includes a number of gas stations including (Exxon, Chevron, and Arco), a McDonald's, a Carl's Jr., and a Travel Centers of America truck stop. These are all located at the exit of State Highway 58. There is a large electrical substation next to the town that is a part of a major North-South transmission corridor. It marks the northern end of Path 26 across the Transverse Ranges and the southern end of the Path 15 power lines. Buttonwillow is also the motel hub for member of the Sports Car Club of America's Cal Club region when they hold events at Cal Club-owned Buttonwillow Raceway Park - a Super 8, a Motel 6 and the Homeland Inn are the motels of note there.

[edit] Geography

Buttonwillow is located at 35°24′33″N, 119°26′34″W (35.409060, -119.442910)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 18.1 km² (7.0 mi²), all land. Buttonwilow is known as the cotton country. Buttonwillow is well know for it's abundant growth of cotton.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,266 people, 328 households, and 270 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 70.1/km² (181.7/mi²). There were 364 housing units at an average density of 20.2/km² (52.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 34.28% White, 3.79% Black or African American, 1.66% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 55.06% from other races, and 5.13% from two or more races. 68.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 328 households out of which 56.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 15.2% 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 3.81 and the average family size was 4.25.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 38.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 13.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,370, and the median income for a family was $29,716. Males had a median income of $19,514 versus $16,974 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,424. About 23.1% of families and 28.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.4% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.