Wharton County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,835 km² (1,094 mi²). 2,823 km² (1,090 mi²) of it is land and 11 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.39% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 41,188 people, 14,799 households, and 10,744 families residing in the county. The population density is 15/km² (38/mi²). There are 16,606 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 69.01% White, 14.95% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 13.65% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 31.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,799 households out of which 35.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.50% are married couples living together, 12.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% are non-families. 24.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.73 and the average family size is 3.26.

In the county, the population is spread out with 28.70% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 26.50% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 96.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $32,208, and the median income for a family is $39,919. Males have a median income of $30,480 versus $20,101 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,388. 16.50% of the population and 13.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 18.50% are under the age of 18 and 17.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Boling-Iago
• East Bernard
• El Campo
• Hungerford
• Louise
• Wharton