Rockingham County, North Carolina
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Template:US County infobox Rockingham County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population is 91,928. Its county seat is Wentworth6.
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History
The county was formed in 1785 from Guilford County. It was named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, British Prime Minister from 1765 to 1766 and again in 1782.
Law and government
Rockingham County is a member of the regional Piedmont Triad Council of Governments.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,482 km² (572 mi²). 1,467 km² (566 mi²) of it is land and 15 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.03% water.
The Dan River and Haw River drain the county.
Townships
The county is divided into eleven townships: Huntsville, Leaksville, Madison, Mayo, New Bethel, Price, Reidsville, Ruffin, Simpsonville, Wentworth, and Williamsburg.
Adjacent Counties
- Pittsylvania County, Virginia - northeast
- Caswell County, North Carolina - east
- Guilford County, North Carolina - south
- Stokes County, North Carolina - west
- Henry County, Virginia - northwest
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 91,928 people, 36,989 households, and 26,188 families residing in the county. The population density was 63/km² (162/mi²). There were 40,208 housing units at an average density of 27/km² (71/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.33% White, 19.57% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.69% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 3.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 36,989 households out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.60% were married couples living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,784, and the median income for a family was $40,821. Males had a median income of $30,479 versus $22,437 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,120. 12.80% of the population and 10.20% of families were below the poverty line. 16.30% of those under the age of 18 and 15.50% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Attractions
Rockingham County has various attractions. They include the state parks of the Dan and Mayo rivers, near Madison. Others include the historic downtown areas of Leaksville, Draper and Spray in Eden. There is also the Chinqua-Penn Plantation in Wentworth, and the historic Penn House, located in Reidsville. One of the most famous attractions of the Reidsville area is Lake Reidsville. Various historic shops and other such things are found in the county, as well.
Education
The area includes various schools. It has many elementary schools, as well as high schools and middle schools. In Wentworth the Rockingham Community College can be found.
Shopping
Eden, Madison, and Reidsville are home to numerous shopping centers. Various shops are found in the county. Two famous shopping areas are the Eden Mall and Pennrose Mall.
