Orange County, Texas
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Orange County is the southeasternmost county of the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000 the population was 84,966. The county seat is Orange.
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Geography
The county is bordered on the east by the Sabine River and on the southwest by the Neches River. The geography of Orange County varies considerably, with saltwater marshes in much of the southwestern part of the county that borders Sabine Lake, and Piney Woods in the north. Elevation rarely reaches 30 feet above sea level.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 983 km² (380 mi²). 923 km² (356 mi²) of it is land and 60 km² (23 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.10% water.
Adjacent counties
- Jasper County (north)
- Newton County (north)
- Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (east)
- Cameron Parish, Louisiana (southeast)
- Jefferson County (south & west)
- Hardin County (northwest)
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 84,966 people, 31,642 households, and 23,794 families residing in the county. The population density was 92/km² (238/mi²). There were 34,781 housing units at an average density of 38/km² (98/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 87.98% White, 8.38% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 3.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 31,642 households out of which 35.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were married couples living together, 12.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.80% were non-families. 21.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.30% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 28.10% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,586, and the median income for a family was $44,152. Males had a median income of $40,185 versus $21,859 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,554. 13.80% of the population and 11.40% of families were below the poverty line. 18.50% of those under the age of 18 and 12.40% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Economy
Primary economic activities in Orange County are the petroleum refining industry, paper milling, rice farming, and shrimping.
Cities and towns
External links
- Orange County government’s website
- Orange County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas
