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Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 35,110 at the 2000 census. As one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, and with ready access via California State Route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing and is home to a legendary surf break called Killer Dana.
The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was in turn named for Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast, which included a description of the area. Dana describes the locale, including neigboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot in California." Although Dana describes the anchorage as poor, it is the best available in the vicinity, and is now a developed harbor containing a museum replica of his ship, the Pilgrim. This area is designated California Historical Landmark #189.
One of the very few known specimens of the megamouth shark was caught off Dana Point in 1990.
Geography
Dana Point is located at 33°28 20 N,117°41 35 W (33.472210, -117.693038)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 76.2 km2 (29.4 mi2). 17.2 km2 (6.6 mi2) of it is land and 59.1 km2 (22.8 mi2) of it (77.45%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 35,110 people, 14,456 households, and 9,280 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,041.6/km2 (5,290.1/mi2). There were 15,682 housing units at an average density of 911.9/km2 (2,362.8/mi2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.25% White, 0.82% Black or African American, 0.57% Native American, 2.52% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.92% from other races, and 2.81% from two or more races. 15.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 14,456 households out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $63,043, and the median income for a family was $73,373. Males had a median income of $52,159 versus $38,902 for females. The per capita income for the city was $37,938. About 3.4% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The city is served by Capistrano Unified School District.
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