Isle of Wight County is a county located in the South Hampton Roads region of state of Virginia in the United States. As of 2000, the population is 29,728. Its county seat is Isle of Wight⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 940 km² (363 mi²). 818 km² (316 mi²) of it is land and 121 km² (47 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 12.93% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 29,728 people, 11,319 households, and 8,670 families residing in the county. The population density is 36/km² (94/mi²). There are 12,066 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (38/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 71.08% White, 27.15% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 11,319 households out of which 34.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% are married couples living together, 12.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.40% are non-families. 20.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.61 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $45,387, and the median income for a family is $52,597. Males have a median income of $37,853 versus $22,990 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,235. 8.30% of the population and 6.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.80% of those under the age of 18 and 11.90% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

During the 17th century, shortly after establishment of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607, English settlers and explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads. By 1634, the English colony of Virginia consisted of eight shires or counties with a total population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. Originally part of the Warrosquyoake Shire, it was renamed Isle of Wight County in 1637, after the island in the English channel of the same name.

Towns

• Rushmere
• Smithfield
• Windsor