Wilcox County, Georgia

Infobox U.S. County
county = Wilcox County
state = Georgia


map size = 200
founded = December 22, 1857
seat = Abbeville
largest city = Abbeville | area_total_sq_mi =383
area_land_sq_mi =380 | area_water_sq_mi =3
area percentage = 0.78%
census yr = 2000
pop = 8577
density_km2 =9
time zone = Eastern
UTC offset = -5
DST offset = -4

Wilcox County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population is 8,577. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 8,613 [http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2007-01-13.xls] . The county seat is Abbeville, GeorgiaGR|6.

History

It is unclear whether Wilcox County is named for General Mark Wilcox, a Georgia state legislator and one of the founders of the Georgia Supreme Court, or if it is named for his son John Wilcox. The formation of the county was led by Norman McDuffie of Pulaski County, Georgia. It was formed on December 22, 1857 from parts of Irwin, Pulaski, and Dooly counties.

Jefferson Davis, President of The Confederate States of America spent his last night in Wilcox County, before being captured by Union troops. His capture marked the end of the Confederacy.

Geography

Census Information

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 383 square miles (993 km²), of which, 380 square miles (985 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (8 km²) of it (0.78%) is water.

Adjacent counties

*Pulaski County, Georgia - North
*Dodge County, Georgia - East
*Telfair County, Georgia - East
*Ben Hill County, Georgia - South
*Turner County, Georgia - Southwest
*Crisp County, Georgia - West
*Dooly County, Georgia - Northwest

Major highways

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Notable Festivals

The Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival takes place in Abbeville, Georgia every year on the Saturday before Mother's Day.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 8,577 people, 2,785 households, and 1,977 families residing in the county. The population density was 23 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 3,320 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 62.61% White, 36.21% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.48% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 1.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,785 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.10% were married couples living together, 15.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the county the population was spread out with 22.80% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 123.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 131.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,483, and the median income for a family was $34,968. Males had a median income of $27,171 versus $20,366 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,014. About 16.80% of families and 21.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.80% of those under age 18 and 21.30% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Until the late 1950's all cities in Wilcox County had their own school districts. Currently, Wilcox County has one consolidated school district called the [http://www.wilcox.k12.ga.us Wilcox County School System] . The Board of Education office is located in Abbeville and all three county schools are located in Rochelle.

*Wilcox County Elementary School: Pre-K through 5th
*Wilcox County Middle School: 6th through 8th
*Wilcox County High School: 9th through 12th

Also located in Rochelle is a satellite campus of East Central Technical College.

Cities

*Abbeville (county seat)
*Pineview
*Pitts
*Rochelle

Unincorporated Cities and Towns

*Seville
*Owensboro

External links

* [http://www.wilcox.k12.ga.us Wilcox County Schools Website]