west memphis, arkansas

West Memphis is a city located in Crittenden County, Arkansas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 27,666. It was made famous when three children were killed there -- specifically in the Robin Hood Hills -- in 1993. Three people, known as the West Memphis 3, were convicted of the crime, but are claimed to be innocent by some. West Memphis was the home of Sonny Boy Williamson II, influential blues singer and harmonica player. One of his songs, "West Memphis Blues", tells the story of how his home there was damaged by fire in 1949. The song mentions several local personalities, white and black, who supported him when he was falsely accused of arson.

Geography

West Memphis is located at 35°9'1" North, 90°10'44" West (35.150294, -90.178831). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 68.8 km² (26.6 mi²). 68.6 km² (26.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.26% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 27,666 people, 10,051 households, and 7,136 families residing in the city. The population density is 403.2/km² (1,044.3/mi²). There are 11,022 housing units at an average density of 160.6/km² (416.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 42.16% White, 55.93% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. 1.01% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 10,051 households out of which 36.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% are married couples living together, 25.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% are non-families. 24.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.70 and the average family size is 3.23. In the city the population is spread out with 31.5% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 86.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 79.9 males. The median income for a household in the city is $27,399, and the median income for a family is $32,465. Males have a median income of $29,977 versus $21,007 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,679. 28.3% of the population and 23.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 40.9% of those under the age of 18 and 22.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

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