This article describes the town of Conway as a whole. Additional demographic detail is available which describes only the central settlement or village within the town, although that detail is included in the aggregate values reported here. See: Conway (CDP), New Hampshire.
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,604 people, 3,714 households, and 2,243 families residing in the town. The population density was 123.5 people per square mile (47.7/km²). There were 5,927 housing units at an average density of 32.9 persons/km² (85.1 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 97.43% White, 0.24% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. 0.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,714 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 9.5% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 39.6% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the town the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $35,873, and the median income for a family was $41,818. Males had a median income of $30,366 versus $21,275 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,673. 10.3% of the population and 8.0% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.3% are under the age of 18 and 13.7% are 65 or older.