Washington County, Virginia
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Washington County is a county located in the state of Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 51,103. Its county seat is Abingdon6.
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A farm in Washington County, Virginia
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History
The county was formed in 1776 from Fincastle County. It was named for George Washington, who was then commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
In 1786 the northwestern part of Washington County became Russell County. In 1814 the western part of what remained of Washington County was combined with parts of Lee County and Russell County to form Scott County. In 1832 the northeastern part of Washington County was combined with part of Wythe County to form Smyth County. With the incorporation of the town of Goodson as the independent city of Bristol in 1890, Washington County assumed its present size.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,466 km² (566 mi²). 1,458 km² (563 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.55% water.
Districts
The county is divided into seven magisterial districts: Harrison, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Taylor, Tyler, and Wilson.
Adjacent Counties
- Smyth County, Virginia - northeast
- Grayson County, Virginia - east-southeast
- Johnson County, Tennessee - south-southeast
- Sullivan County, Tennessee - southwest
- Scott County, Virginia - west
- Russell County, Virginia - northwest
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 51,103 people, 21,056 households, and 14,949 families residing in the county. The population density is 35/km² (91/mi²). There are 22,985 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (41/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.56% White, 1.32% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 21,056 households out of which 28.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% are married couples living together, 8.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% are non-families. 25.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 2.84.
In the county, the population is spread out with 20.80% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 26.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% 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 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $32,742, and the median income for a family is $40,162. Males have a median income of $30,104 versus $21,307 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,350. 10.90% of the population and 8.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.20% of those under the age of 18 and 14.20% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Towns
Education
Colleges
- Emory and Henry College, Emory
- Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon
Public High Schools
- Abingdon High School, Abingdon
- Holston High School, Damascus
- John S. Battle High School, Bristol
- Patrick Henry High School, Glade Spring
External links
- Washington County government official website (http://portal.washcova.com/portal/public/)