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Mansfield vs.
Norton Demographic Comparisons
Below is a quick comparison of Mansfield and Norton.. to help
understand why Mansfield is receiving such a large increase in Chapter 70 (State
Aid) compared to Norton. The new state formula looks at total property valuation
and household income to determine the "target aid" percentage - the % of the
school budget that will be funded through state aid in the future.
At first thought, it may seem unfair that Mansfield may get an additional $2.2M
in state chapter 70 aid next year, and Norton may only get 100K. But, look at
the statistics in the chart below, and consider that today 52.1% of Norton's
budget is funded through the state, compared to only 33.5% of Mansfield's
budget. Mansfield has continually improved funding of their school budget
through local real estate taxes (overrides).
The new formula is equitable and fair in its calculation of future % target aid.
Even after the shift Norton will still receive more % state aid than Mansfield
(considering that our household income is less than Mansfield).
Norton will shift from the current 52.1% down to 46.4% state aid (about a -$1.5M
swing)
Mansfield will shift from current 33.5% up to 45.0% state aid (about a +$4.2M
swing)
By the way, Easton is already at their target % aid at about 30%. Any changes to
their chapter 70 aid will be based on enrollment increases/decreases against the
inflation factor.
Look at the demographics of Norton compared to Mansfield and how similar the two
towns are.
Of particular interest is the difference in tax bills vs. property value.
Norton's tax bills are about $1100 less on average than that of Mansfield, even
though the average property value is about the same.
Bottom line, we should be expected to raise and appropriate more for our schools
through an increase in real estate taxes. And, the new chapter 70 state funding
formula is clearly stating such.
|
 |
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Avg. single family tax bill |
$3,083 |
$4,190 |
|
Avg. single family property value |
$258,619 |
$261,688 |
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Population
profile |
|
Total population |
18,922 |
22,552 |
|
% male |
48% |
50% |
|
% female |
52% |
50% |
|
Median age |
34 |
34 |
|
% population under 19 |
29% |
31% |
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% population 20-24 |
8% |
5% |
|
% population 25-39 |
22% |
26% |
|
% population 40-59 |
28% |
29% |
|
% population over 60 |
12% |
10% |
|
Education
(Highest Level Attained) |
|
% graduated college |
16% |
20% |
|
% with Graduate Degree |
11% |
15% |
|
Households |
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% of households with children |
44% |
46% |
|
% of dwellings owner-occupied |
83% |
73% |
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% of dwellings rental-occupied |
14% |
24% |
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In current residence 5+ years |
53% |
49% |
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Annual residential turnover |
12% |
13% |
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Median dwelling age |
25 |
22 |
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% of vacant dwellings |
3% |
3% |
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Financial |
|
Median household income |
$72,671 |
$75,190 |
|
Avg. household income |
$88,725 |
$99,625 |
|
Per capita income |
$29,314 |
$34,801 |
|
Median household net worth |
$48,004 |
$47,047 |
|
Avg. household net worth |
$156,907 |
$156,011 |
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Less than $24,999 |
13% |
14% |
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$25,000 - $49,999 |
19% |
18% |
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$50,000 - $99,999 |
42% |
37% |
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$100,000 and up |
26% |
31% |
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Employment |
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% blue collar |
15% |
17% |
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% white collar |
85% |
83% |
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% of workers who work at home |
2% |
4% |
|
Median travel time to work |
26 mins |
30 mins |
Source:
http://re.boston.com/Community/community_detail.asp
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