James City County, Virginia
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James City County is a county located on the Virginia Peninsula in the state of Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 48,102. Its county seat is Williamsburg6. Formed in 1634 as James City Shire, James City County is considered one of the 5 original shires of the Virginia colony to be extant essentially in the same political form (county) in 2005.
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Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 465 km² (180 mi²). 370 km² (143 mi²) of it is land and 95 km² (37 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 20.47% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 48,102 people, 19,003 households, and 13,986 families residing in the county. The population density is 130/km² (337/mi²). There are 20,772 housing units at an average density of 56/km² (145/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 82.05% White, 14.37% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 1.46% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 1.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 19,003 households out of which 30.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.80% are married couples living together, 8.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.40% are non-families. 21.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 2.86.
In the county, the population is spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 16.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 93.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $55,594, and the median income for a family is $66,171. Males have a median income of $43,339 versus $27,016 for females. The per capita income for the county is $29,256. 6.40% of the population and 4.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.30% are under the age of 18 and 4.80% are 65 or older.
History
During the 17th century, shortly after establishment of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607, English settlers and explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads. In 1634, by order of the King of England, Charles I, eight shires or counties with a total population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants were established in the colony of Virginia.
James City Shire, as well as the James River and Jamestown took their name from King James I, who was the father of King Charles I. About 1642-43, the name of the James City Shire was changed to James City County.
Williamsburg became an independent city from James City County in 1884. However, it is still the county seat of James City County, and they share a school system, courts, and some constitutional officers.
External Links
James City County Website (http://www.jccegov.com/)