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Commack, New York facts for kids

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Commack, New York
Commack's historic Carll Burr Mansion in 2012.
Commack's historic Carll Burr Mansion in 2012.
U.S. Census map
U.S. Census map
Commack, New York is located in Long Island
Commack, New York
Commack, New York
Location in Long Island
Commack, New York is located in New York
Commack, New York
Commack, New York
Location in New York
Commack, New York is located in the United States
Commack, New York
Commack, New York
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  New York
County Suffolk
Towns Huntington
Smithtown
Area
 • Total 12.0 sq mi (31.0 km2)
 • Land 12.0 sq mi (31.0 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
131 ft (40 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 36,124
 • Density 3,018/sq mi (1,165.3/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
11725
Area code(s) 631, 934
FIPS code 36-17530
GNIS feature ID 0947221

Commack ( KOH-mak) is a hamlet and census designated place (CDP) that roughly corresponds to the hamlet by the same name in the towns of Huntington and Smithtown in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York, United States, on Long Island. The CDP's population was 36,124 at the 2010 census.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.0 square miles (31.0 km2), all land.

The name "Commack" comes from the Secatogue Native Americans who lived on the South Shore of Long Island between Copiague and Bayport. The Secatogue named their northern lands in the center of the island Winnecomac, meaning "pleasant lands". This is what they must have thought when they looked over this area of flat lands with rich soil, and thick oak forests abounding with plants and wildlife. From its earliest days, Commack was known for its fertile soil, abundance of game, and wood.

Today all of Commack is settled and suburbanized and, like most unincorporated areas of Long Island, does not have a true, walkable downtown or "Main Street". The community is served by four major thoroughfares: the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, the Sunken Meadow State Parkway and the at-grade Jericho Turnpike. It also includes the historic Long Island Motor Parkway, which itself included the spur to NY 25 that later became Harned Road.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 36,124 people, 11,907 households, and 9,895 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,010.3 per square mile (1,165.3/km2). There were 12,138 housing units at an average density of 1,011.5/sq mi (391.5/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.6% White, 0.9% African American, 0.1% Native American or Alaska Native, 5.4% Asian, 0.01% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0.8% from some other race, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

According to Census Bureau estimates for 2009-2011, the median income for a household in the CDP was $102,008, and the median income for a family was $114,866. Males had a median income of $83,135 versus $63,185 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $40,320. About 2.1% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

  • Bob Costas, television sportscaster and commentator
  • Eddie McGee, television and movie actor, winner of first season of CBS reality show Big Brother
  • Rosie O'Donnell, stand-up comedian, actress, singer, author, talk show hostess and media personality; Commack High School Class of 1980
  • Jason Somerville, professional poker player
  • David Cohen, college football coach; Commack High School Class of 1984
  • Shankar Pillai, professional poker player
  • Samantha Prahalis, WNBA basketball player
  • Ruth Minsky Sender, author
  • Randy Rainbow, comedian
  • Stephen Ridings, MLB pitcher for the New York Yankees
  • Kevin Shields, lead singer of Irish shoegaze band My Bloody Valentine
  • Matt Milano, NFL linebacker for the Buffalo Bills

In popular culture

On November 14, 2006, radio station WBLI rated the Commack Motor Inn second of the seven wonders of Long Island, just behind the Flanders Duck and ahead of the Montauk Lighthouse. The Commack Inn gained notoriety by its advertisements on late-night television and radio, extolling "the perfect romantic getaway", its "plush beds", "mirror ball disco room" and "heart-shaped love tubs". By the 1980s, the Commack Motor Inn had become such an accepted part of Long Island life that its gift certificates were prizes at social clubs.

In the American television program Criminal Minds, Special Agent David Rossi's hometown is Commack. One episode in the fifth season of the same show is set in Commack (although it was shot in Los Angeles).

Commack Middle School was also on one of MTV's True Life episodes.

Transportation

Commack is served by four major thoroughfares: the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, the Sunken Meadow State Parkway and the at-grade Jericho Turnpike. It also includes the historic Long Island Motor Parkway, which itself included the spur to NY 25 that later became Harned Road.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Commack para niños

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