Area 1,852 km² Population 80,254 (2013) | Founded 1833 | |
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Website www.lauderdalecounty.org Rivers Chunky River, Hurricane Creek, Okatibbee Creek Points of interest Meridian Museum of Art, First Presbyterian Church of, Highland Park, Mississippi Welcome Center - L, Bonita Lakes Park | ||
Lauderdale County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2010 census, the population was 80,261. The county seat is Meridian. The county is named for Colonel James Lauderdale, who was killed at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.
Contents
- Map of Lauderdale County MS USA
- Geography
- Major highways
- Adjacent counties
- Demographics
- Government and infrastructure
- Education
- Cities
- Towns
- Census designated places
- Unincorporated communities
- Notable people
- References
Map of Lauderdale County, MS, USA
Lauderdale County is included in the Meridian, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 715 square miles (1,850 km2), of which 704 square miles (1,820 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (1.6%) is water.
Major highways
Adjacent counties
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 78,161 people, 29,990 households, and 20,573 families residing in the county. The population density was 111 people per square mile (43/km²). There were 33,418 housing units at an average density of 48 per square mile (18/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 60.15% White, 38.18% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 29,990 households out of which 33.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.70% were married couples living together, 18.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 90.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,768, and the median income for a family was $37,581. Males had a median income of $31,069 versus $21,111 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,026. About 17.10% of families and 20.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.80% of those under age 18 and 18.80% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
The East Mississippi Correctional Facility is located in an unincorporated area of the county, near Meridian. It is operated by the GEO Group on behalf of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Education
Lauderdale County is within the service area of the East Mississippi Community College system. The system offers classes in the Naval Air Station Meridian Extension in Meridian. Other academic institutions are Meridian Community College, University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing (located inside Reed Hall building of Meridian Community College, and Mississippi State University Meridian Campus.