Essex County, Virginia

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 740 km² (286 mi²). 668 km² (258 mi²) of it is land and 73 km² (28 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 9.84% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 9,989 people, 3,995 households, and 2,740 families residing in the county. The population density is 15/km² (39/mi²). There are 4,926 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 57.96% White, 39.04% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. 0.72% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,995 households out of which 28.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.70% are married couples living together, 14.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% are non-families. 26.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.95.

In the county, the population is spread out with 22.90% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 25.70% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 89.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,395, and the median income for a family is $43,588. Males have a median income of $29,736 versus $22,253 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,994. 11.20% of the population and 7.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.80% are under the age of 18 and 11.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Tappahannock