Macon County, Illinois
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Macon County, Illinois | |
| Map | |
 Location in the state of Illinois |
|
| Statistics | |
| Formed | 1829 |
|---|---|
| Seat | Decatur |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
1,516 km² (585 mi²) 1,504 km² (581 mi²) 13 km² (5 mi²), 0.83% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
115,092 76/km² |
Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois and is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the population was 114,706. Its county seat is Decatur, Illinois6.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,516 km² (585 mi²). 1,504 km² (581 mi²) of it is land and 13 km² (5 mi²) of it (0.83%) is water.
Because of its location, Macon County is often referred to as "The Heart of Illinois". However, it's not actually in the center of the State.
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- De Witt County - north
- Piatt County - northeast
- Moultrie County - southeast
- Shelby County - south
- Christian County - southwest
- Sangamon County - west
- Logan County - northwest
[edit] History
Macon County was formed in 1829 out of Shelby County. It was named for Nathaniel Macon, who served in the Revolutionary War. Nathaniel Macon served as United States Senator from North Carolina until his resignation in 1828.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 114,706 people, 46,561 households, and 30,963 families residing in the county. The population density was 76/km² (198/mi²). There were 50,241 housing units at an average density of 33/km² (86/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 83.48% White, 14.06% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 0.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 46,561 households out of which 29.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.70% were married couples living together, 12.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.50% were non-families. 28.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 91.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,859, and the median income for a family was $47,493. Males had a median income of $39,107 versus $22,737 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,067. About 9.30% of families and 12.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.00% of those under age 18 and 8.20% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Cities and towns
- Argenta
- Blue Mound
- Decatur
- Forsyth
- Harristown
- Long Creek
- Macon
- Maroa
- Mount Zion
- Niantic
- Oreana
- Warrensburg
