Lafayette County, Mississippi

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,759 km² (679 mi²). 1,635 km² (631 mi²) of it is land and 125 km² (48 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 7.09% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 38,744 people, 14,373 households, and 8,321 families residing in the county. The population density is 24/km² (61/mi²). There are 16,587 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 71.85% White, 25.05% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.67% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 1.10% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,373 households out of which 26.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.20% are married couples living together, 11.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.10% are non-families. 29.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county the population is spread out with 19.50% under the age of 18, 27.10% from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 17.10% from 45 to 64, and 9.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 27 years. For every 100 females there are 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $28,517, and the median income for a family is $42,910. Males have a median income of $30,964 versus $21,207 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,406. 21.30% of the population and 10.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.60% are under the age of 18 and 19.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Abbeville
• Oxford
• Taylor