Shelby County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,161 km² (835 mi²). 2,057 km² (794 mi²) of it is land and 105 km² (40 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.84% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 25,224 people, 9,595 households, and 6,908 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (32/mi²). There are 11,955 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 72.65% White, 19.44% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 5.87% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. 9.87% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 9,595 households out of which 32.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.10% are married couples living together, 12.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% are non-families. 25.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 3.08.

In the county, the population is spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 25.80% from 25 to 44, 22.20% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,112, and the median income for a family is $34,021. Males have a median income of $26,501 versus $20,280 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,186. 19.40% of the population and 14.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.70% are under the age of 18 and 16.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Center
• Huxley
• Joaquin
• Tenaha
• Timpson