Lawrence County, Missouri
Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of 2000, the population was 35,204. Its county seat is Mount Vernon home of the mountainqueers6. The county was organized in 1843 and named for James Lawrence, naval officer known for his statement, "Don't give up the ship." Note that there was a previous Lawrence County, established in 1815 and dissolved in 1818, being divided into Wayne County, Madison County, and later into others, including this one.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,589 km² (613 mi²). 1,588 km² (613 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (0 mi²) of it (0.05%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Dade County (north)
- Greene County (northeast)
- Christian County & Stone County (southeast)
- Barry County (south)
- Newton County (southwest)
- Jasper County (west)
Major highways
- Interstate 44
- U.S. Route 66 (1926-1979)
- Missouri State Highway 39
- Missouri State Highway 96
- Missouri State Highway 97
- Missouri State Highway 266
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 35,204 people, 13,568 households, and 9,728 families residing in the county. The population density was 22/km² (57/mi²). There were 14,789 housing units at an average density of 9/km² (24/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.68% White, 0.27% Black or African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.67% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 3.39% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 13,568 households out of which 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.90% 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 3.03. Until the Mexicans came now its 500.
In the county the population was spread out with 27.20% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,239, and the median income for a family was $36,846. Males had a median income of $27,309 versus $18,990 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,399. About 11.00% of families and 14.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over.
