Lee County, Virginia
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Map_of_Virginia_highlighting_Lee_County.png
Image:Map of Virginia highlighting Lee County.png
Lee County is a county located in the state of Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 23,589. Its county seat is Jonesville6.
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History
The county was formed in 1793 from Russell County. It was named for Light Horse Harry Lee, the Governor of Virginia from 1791 to 1794, who was known as "Light Horse Harry" for his exploits as a leader of light troops in the American Revolutionary War.
In 1814 parts of Lee County, Russell County, and Washington County were combined to form Scott County. In 1856 parts of Lee County, Russell County, and Scott County were combined to form Wise County.
Economy
Lee County is one of the poorest counties in Virginia. Its economy is dependent largely on growing tobacco and mining coal, both of which are industries in decline.
In recent years, using the slogan Where Virginia Begins, it has attempted to increase its tourism industry by emphasing its role in the route used by settlers going west through the Cumberland Gap, at Lee County's western tip.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,133 km² (437 mi²). 1,132 km² (437 mi²) of it is land and 0 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.04% water.
Districts
The county is divided into five districts: Jonesville, Rocky Station, Rose Hill, White Shoals, and Yokum Station.
Adjacent Counties
- Harlan County, Kentucky - north
- Wise County, Virginia - northeast
- Scott County, Virginia - east
- Hancock County, Tennessee - south
- Claiborne County, Tennessee - south-southwest
- Bell County, Kentucky - west
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 23,589 people, 9,706 households, and 6,852 families residing in the county. The population density is 21/km² (54/mi²). There are 11,086 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (25/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.44% White, 0.44% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. 0.51% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 9,706 households out of which 29.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.00% are married couples living together, 11.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% are non-families. 27.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.41 and the average family size is 2.91.
In the county, the population is spread out with 22.80% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $22,972, and the median income for a family is $28,525. Males have a median income of $27,579 versus $19,370 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,625. 23.90% of the population and 20.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 30.10% of those under the age of 18 and 23.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Towns
See also: List of Virginia counties
Education
Public High Schools
- Lee High School, Jonesville
- Thomas Walker High School, Ewing
External links
- Official site (http://lee.va-village.com/)