Vandalia, Illinois

Vandalia is a city located in Fayette County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,975. It is the county seat of Fayette County⁶. In 1819, it was decided to move the state capital from Kaskaskia here. Since 1839, Springfield is the capital.

Geography Vandalia is located at 38°58'5" North, 89°6'7" West (38.968077, -89.101995)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.7 km² (5.7 mi²). 14.7 km² (5.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.35% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 6,975 people, 2,344 households, and 1,425 families residing in the city. The population density is 475.8/km² (1,231.3/mi²). There are 2,543 housing units at an average density of 173.5/km² (448.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 83.57% White, 15.01% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.71% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,344 households out of which 28.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% are married couples living together, 11.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% are non-families. 35.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 17.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.25 and the average family size is 2.90.

In the city the population is spread out with 18.3% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 34.3% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 134.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 144.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $30,857, and the median income for a family is $39,762. Males have a median income of $27,342 versus $19,109 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,918. 15.6% of the population and 8.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 21.4% are under the age of 18 and 13.8% are 65 or older.