Grayson County, Virginia
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Grayson County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 17,917. Its county seat is Independence6. It is bounded on the northwest by Smyth County; on the northeast by Wythe County; on the southwest by Ashe County, North Carolina; on the south by Alleghany County, North Carolina, on the southeast by Surry County, North Carolina, on the east by the Independent City of Galax and by Carroll County, and on the west by Johnson County, Tennessee and Washington County. The state's highest peak, Mount Rogers (5729 ft.) is in Grayson County.
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History
Grayson County was founded in 1793 from part of Wythe County. It was named for William Grayson, delegate to the Continental Congress form 1784 to 1787 and one of the first two U.S. Senators from Virginia.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,155 km² (446 mi²). 1,146 km² (443 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.73% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 17,917 people, 7,259 households, and 5,088 families residing in the county. The population density is 16/km² (40/mi²). There are 9,123 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (21/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 91.70% White, 6.79% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 7,259 households out of which 26.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.60% are married couples living together, 8.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% are non-families. 26.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 2.77.
In the county, the population is spread out with 19.50% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.80% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 16.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 107.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 109.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $28,676, and the median income for a family is $35,076. Males have a median income of $24,126 versus $17,856 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,768. 13.60% of the population and 10.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.80% of those under the age of 18 and 16.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Towns
Education
Public High Schools
Grayson County High School, Independence Template:Virginia