Jefferson County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,878 km² (1,111 mi²). 2,340 km² (904 mi²) of it is land and 538 km² (208 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 18.69% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 252,051 people, 92,880 households, and 63,808 families residing in the county. The population density is 108/km² (279/mi²). There are 102,080 housing units at an average density of 44/km² (113/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 57.24% White, 33.74% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.89% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.26% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. 10.53% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 92,880 households out of which 33.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.40% are married couples living together, 16.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% are non-families. 27.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.12.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.90% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 29.30% from 25 to 44, 21.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 101.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,706, and the median income for a family is $42,290. Males have a median income of $36,719 versus $23,924 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,571. 17.40% of the population and 14.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.60% are under the age of 18 and 11.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Beaumont
• Bevil Oaks
• Central Gardens
• China
• Groves
• Nederland
• Nome
• Port Arthur
• Port Neches