Lauderdale County, Mississippi

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,853 km² (715 mi²). 1,822 km² (704 mi²) of it is land and 30 km² (12 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.65% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 78,161 people, 29,990 households, and 20,573 families residing in the county. The population density is 43/km² (111/mi²). There are 33,418 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (48/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 60.15% White, 38.18% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 29,990 households out of which 33.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.70% are married couples living together, 18.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% are non-families. 28.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.06.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 90.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,768, and the median income for a family is $37,581. Males have a median income of $31,069 versus $21,111 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,026. 20.80% of the population and 17.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.80% are under the age of 18 and 18.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Collinsville
• Marion
• Meridian
• Meridian Station
• Nellieburg