new london county, connecticut

New London County is located in the southeastern corner of the state of Connecticut. As of 2000 the population was 259,088.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,999 km² (772 mi²). 1,725 km² (666 mi²) of it is land and 274 km² (106 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.70% water. The terrain of the county is mostly level, becoming more elevated only in its northern extreme. The highest point in the county is Gates Hill in the Town of Lebanon at approximately 660 feet (201 m) above sea level, and the lowest point is sea level.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there are 259,088 people, 99,835 households, and 67,188 families residing in the county. The population density is 150/km² (389/mi²). There are 110,674 housing units at an average density of 64/km² (166/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.00% White, 5.29% Black or African American, 0.96% Native American, 1.96% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.05% from other races, and 2.68% from two or more races. 5.11% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 99,835 households out of which 32.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% are married couples living together, 11.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.70% are non-families. 26.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 3.00. In the county the population is spread out with 24.40% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 97.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.50 males. The median income for a household in the county is $50,646, and the median income for a family is $59,857. Males have a median income of $41,292 versus $30,525 for females. The per capita income for the county is $24,678. 6.40% of the population and 4.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.80% of those under the age of 18 and 6.60% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.