Chickasaw County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of 2000, the population was 19,440. Its county seats are Houston and Okolona . Chickasaw county is named for the Chickasaw Native Americans.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 504 square miles (1,306 km²), of which, 502 square miles (1,299 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (7 km²) of it (0.54%) is water.

Major highways

• U.S. Highway 45
• Mississippi Highway 8
• Mississippi Highway 15
• Mississippi Highway 32
• Mississippi Highway 41
• Mississippi Highway 47
• Natchez Trace Parkway

Adjacent counties

• Pontotoc County (north)
• Lee County (northeast)
• Monroe County (east)
• Clay County (southeast)
• Wesbter County (southwest)
• Calhoun County (west)

National protected areas

• Natchez Trace Parkway (part)
• Tombigbee National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 19,440 people, 7,253 households, and 5,287 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 people per square mile (15/km²). There were 7,981 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile (6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 56.89% White, 41.26% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. 2.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,253 households out of which 36.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.80% were married couples living together, 18.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.10% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county the population was spread out with 28.60% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,364, and the median income for a family was $33,819. Males had a median income of $25,459 versus $20,099 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,279. About 16.80% of families and 20.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.90% of those under age 18 and 22.40% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

• Cities
  • Houston
  • Okolona

• Towns
  • New Houlka

• Villages
  • Woodland

• Unincorporated places
  • Buena Vista
  • Egypt
  • McCondy
  • Pyland
  • Sparta
  • Thorn
  • Trebloc
  • Van Vleet

Famous citizens

Chickasaw County was the birthplace of singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry, and served as the setting and inspiration for many of her songs, including her biggest hit "Ode to Billie Joe". The early blues performer Bukka White was born in Chickasaw county in the town of Houston.

References