Mathews County, Virginia

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 653 km² (252 mi²). 222 km² (86 mi²) of it is land and 431 km² (166 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 65.99% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 9,207 people, 3,932 households, and 2,823 families residing in the county. The population density is 41/km² (108/mi²). There are 5,333 housing units at an average density of 24/km² (62/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.30% White, 11.25% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.79% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,932 households out of which 24.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.20% are married couples living together, 7.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% are non-families. 24.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.75.

In the county, the population is spread out with 19.90% under the age of 18, 5.20% from 18 to 24, 23.10% from 25 to 44, 30.10% from 45 to 64, and 21.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 46 years. For every 100 females there are 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $43,222, and the median income for a family is $50,653. Males have a median income of $36,294 versus $23,434 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,610. 6.00% of the population and 4.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.50% are under the age of 18 and 4.80% are 65 or older.