Hancock County, Mississippi

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,431 km² (553 mi²). 1,235 km² (477 mi²) of it is land and 196 km² (76 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.69% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 42,967 people, 16,897 households, and 11,827 families residing in the county. The population density is 35/km² (90/mi²). There are 21,072 housing units at an average density of 17/km² (44/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.19% White, 6.83% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. 1.80% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 16,897 households out of which 31.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% are married couples living together, 11.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% are non-families. 24.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 25.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,202, and the median income for a family is $40,307. Males have a median income of $32,229 versus $22,066 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,748. 14.40% of the population and 11.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.90% are under the age of 18 and 10.30% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bay St. Louis
• Diamondhead
• Kiln
• Pearlington
• Shoreline Park
• Waveland