Westmoreland County, Virginia

Westmoreland County is a county located in the Northern Neck of the U.S. state — officially, "Commonwealth" — of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 16,718. Its county seat is Montross ⁶.

History

Westmoreland County was the birthplace of George Washington, the first President of the United States; James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States; and General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate armies.

As originally established by the British colonial government of Virginia, the territory of Westmoreland County encompassed much of what later become the various counties and cities of Northern Virginia (once including, for example, the areas which later became Arlington, the city of Alexandria, Fairfax County and Prince William County, inter alia).

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 654 km² (253 mi²). 594 km² (229 mi²) of it is land and 61 km² (23 mi²) of it (9.29%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 16,718 people, 6,846 households, and 4,689 families residing in the county. The population density was 28/km² (73/mi²). There were 9,286 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (40/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 65.41% White, 30.89% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 3.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,846 households out of which 25.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.70% were married couples living together, 13.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the county, the population was spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 23.90% from 25 to 44, 27.80% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 92.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,797, and the median income for a family was $41,357. Males had a median income of $31,333 versus $22,221 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,473. About 11.20% of families and 14.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.10% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.

Distinguished residents

George Washington 1st President of the United States
James Monroe 5th President of the United States
Robert E. Lee Commander of the Confederate armies.
Thomas Brown 2nd Governor of Florida

Towns

External links

Virginia counties | Westmoreland County, Virginia | Potomac River counties | Birthplaces of United States presidents