Washington County is a county located in the state of Missouri. As of 2000, the population is 23,344. Its county seat is Potosi⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,975 km² (762 mi²). 1,967 km² (760 mi²) of it is land and 7 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.38% water.

Adjacent counties

• Franklin County (north)
• Jefferson County (northeast)
• St. Francois County (east)
• Iron County (south)
• Crawford County (west)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 23,344 people, 8,406 households, and 6,237 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (31/mi²). There are 9,894 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (13/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 95.47% White, 2.48% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,406 households out of which 36.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% are married couples living together, 10.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.80% are non-families. 22.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.64 and the average family size is 3.05.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 106.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $27,112, and the median income for a family is $31,634. Males have a median income of $27,871 versus $18,206 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,934. 20.80% of the population and 17.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.40% of those under the age of 18 and 12.90% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns