Leon County is a county located in the state of Texas. As of 2000, the population is 15,335. Its county seat is Centerville⁶.

History

The legislature of the Republic of Texas authorized Leon County in 1846 from part of Robertson County, and named it in honor of Martín De León , the founder of Victoria, Texas. However, local tradition holds the it is named for a yellow wolf of the region commonly called the león ("lion" in Spanish). The county was organized that same year with its first coiunty seat at Leona. In 1851 the county seat was moved to Centerville since Leona was in the far northern part of the county.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,798 km² (1,080 mi²). 2,777 km² (1,072 mi²) of it is land and 22 km² (8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.77% water.

Adjacent counties

• Freestone County (north)
• Anderson County (northeast)
• Houston County (east)
• Madison County (south)
• Brazos County (southwest)
• Robertson County (west)
• Limestone County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 15,335 people, 6,189 households, and 4,511 families residing in the county. The population density is 6/km² (14/mi²). There are 8,299 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (8/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 83.53% White, 10.39% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 4.50% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. 7.91% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,189 households out of which 28.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.20% are married couples living together, 9.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.10% are non-families. 24.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.92.

In the county, the population is spread out with 24.30% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 25.60% from 45 to 64, and 20.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,981, and the median income for a family is $38,029. Males have a median income of $32,036 versus $19,607 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,599. 15.60% of the population and 12.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 21.20% of those under the age of 18 and 14.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

External links

• Leon County government’s website
• Leon County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas