Oktibbeha County, Mississippi

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,196 km² (462 mi²). 1,185 km² (458 mi²) of it is land and 11 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.91% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 42,902 people, 15,945 households, and 9,264 families residing in the county. The population density is 36/km² (94/mi²). There are 17,344 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (38/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 58.66% White, 37.43% African American, 0.16% Native American, 2.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 15,945 households out of which 28.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.90% are married couples living together, 14.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.90% are non-families. 27.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.03.

In the county the population is spread out with 21.00% under the age of 18, 29.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 16.00% from 45 to 64, and 8.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 25 years. For every 100 females there are 99.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $24,899, and the median income for a family is $36,914. Males have a median income of $32,162 versus $20,622 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,998. 28.20% of the population and 18.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 30.30% are under the age of 18 and 17.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Maben
• Starkville
• Sturgis