Beaufort County, North Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Beaufort County
state = North Carolina


map size = 250
founded = 1712
seat = Washington | area_total_sq_mi =959
area_water_sq_mi =131
area percentage = 13.64%
census yr = 2000
pop = 44958
density_km2 =21
web = www.co.beaufort.nc.us
|

Beaufort County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 44,958. Its county seat is WashingtonGR|6.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 959 square miles (2,483 km²), of which, 828 square miles (2,144 km²) of it is land and 131 square miles (339 km²) of it (13.64%) is water.

Adjacent counties

*Washington County (northeast)
*Hyde County (east)
*Pamlico County (southeast)
*Craven County (southwest)
*Pitt County (west)
*Martin County (northwest)

Law and government

Beaufort County is a member of the Mid-East Commission regional council of governments.

Beaufort County is one of the proposed sites for a Navy Outlying Landing Field. This practice airfield would allow pilots to simulate landings on an aircraft carrier. Construction, which has not yet begun, is controversial [http://www.noolf.com/] due to its potential ecological impact.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 44,958 people, 18,319 households, and 12,951 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile (21/km²). There were 22,139 housing units at an average density of 27 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.44% White, 29.03% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.42% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 3.24% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 18,319 households out of which 28.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.60% were married couples living together, 13.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 26.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 91.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,066, and the median income for a family was $37,893. Males had a median income of $30,483 versus $21,339 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,722. About 15.20% of families and 19.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.60% of those under age 18 and 19.30% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

*Aurora
*Bath
*Belhaven
*Chocowinity
*Pantego
*River Road
*Washington
*Washington Park

References