Jones County, Mississippi

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,812 km² (700 mi²). 1,797 km² (694 mi²) of it is land and 15 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.84% water.

History During the American Civil War the rural population of Jones Country refused to join the Confederacy and declared themselves the Free State of Jones.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 64,958 people, 24,275 households, and 17,550 families residing in the county. The population density is 36/km² (94/mi²). There are 26,921 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (39/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 71.11% White, 26.34% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.41% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. 1.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 24,275 households out of which 32.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.00% are married couples living together, 15.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% are non-families. 24.40% 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 2.61 and the average family size is 3.08.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 10.50% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 22.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $28,786, and the median income for a family is $34,465. Males have a median income of $28,273 versus $19,405 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,820. 19.80% of the population and 14.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.00% are under the age of 18 and 16.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Ellisville
• Laurel
• Sandersville
• Soso