Buchanan County, Virginia
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Buchanan County is a county located in the state of Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 26,978. Its county seat is Grundy6.
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History
The county was formed in 1858 from parts of Russell County and Tazewell County. It was named for James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States (1857-1861).
In 1880 the southwestern part of Buchanan County was combined with parts of Russell County and Wise County to become Dickenson County.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,305 km² (504 mi²). 1,305 km² (504 mi²) of it is land and 0 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.00% water.
Districts
The county is divided into seven supervisor districts: Garden, Hurricane, Knox, North Grundy, Prater, Rock Lick, and South Grundy.
Adjacent Counties
- Mingo County, West Virginia - north-northeast
- McDowell County, West Virginia - northeast
- Tazewell County, Virginia - southeast
- Russell County, Virginia - south
- Dickenson County, Virginia - southwest
- Pike County, Kentucky - northwest
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 26,978 people, 10,464 households, and 7,900 families residing in the county. The population density is 21/km² (54/mi²). There are 11,887 housing units at an average density of 9/km² (24/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.75% White, 2.62% Black or African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.33% from two or more races. 0.47% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 10,464 households out of which 30.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% are married couples living together, 10.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% are non-families. 22.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.87.
In the county, the population is spread out with 21.40% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 27.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $22,213, and the median income for a family is $27,328. Males have a median income of $29,540 versus $17,766 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,788. 23.20% of the population and 19.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 30.20% of those under the age of 18 and 16.90% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Towns
Education
Colleges
- Appalachian School of Law, Grundy
Public High Schools
- Grundy High School, Grundy
- Twin Valley High School, Pilgrims Knob
- Council High School, Council
- Hurley High School, Hurley