PHELPS COUNTY, MISSOURI

'Phelps County' is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau it includes the mean center of U.S. population in 2000. The county was organized in 1857 and was named for John S. Phelps, U.S. congressman and governor. As of 2000, the population was 39,825. Its county seat is Rolla.

Contents

Geography

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Demographics

Cities and towns

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,746 km² (674 mi²). 1,743 km² (673 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (1 mi²) of it (0.21%) is water.

Adjacent counties

★ Maries County (northwest)

★ Gasconade County (northeast)

★ Crawford County (east)

★ Dent County (southeast)

★ Texas County (south)

★ Pulaski County (west)

Major highways

★ Interstate 44

★ U.S. Route 63

★ ''U.S. Route 66'' (1926-1979)

★ Missouri Route 68

★ Missouri Route 72

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 39,825 people, 15,683 households, and 10,240 families residing in the county. The population density was 23/km² (59/mi²). There were 17,501 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.24% White, 1.50% Black or African American, 0.59% Native American, 2.35% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races. 1.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 15,683 households out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.70% were non-families. 28.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.70% under the age of 18, 14.50% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 103.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,378, and the median income for a family was $38,693. Males had a median income of $29,428 versus $19,893 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,084. About 11.30% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.00% of those under age 18 and 13.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

★ Beulah ★ Doolittle ★ Duke

★ Edgar Springs ★ Flat ★ Jerome

★ Newburg ★ Northwye ★ Rolla

★ Rosati ★ Seaton ★ St. James

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