Jefferson County is a county of the State of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Thomas Jefferson. As of 2000 the population was 662,047. Its county seat is Birmingham.

History

Jefferson County was established on December 13, 1819.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,911 km² (1,124 mi²). 2,882 km² (1,113 mi²) of it is land and 29 km² (11 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.00% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 662,047 people, 263,265 households, and 175,861 families residing in the county. The population density is 230/km² (595/mi²). There are 288,162 housing units at an average density of 100/km² (259/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 58.10% White, 39.36% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 263,265 households out of which 30.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.10% are married couples living together, 17.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.20% are non-families. 28.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.45 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 29.70% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 89.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $36,868, and the median income for a family is $45,951. Males have a median income of $35,954 versus $26,631 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,892. 14.80% of the population and 11.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.20% of those under the age of 18 and 12.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.