Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 48,499 people, 19,077 households, and 13,468 families residing in the county. The population density is 20/km² (53/mi²). There are 21,113 housing units at an average density of 9/km² (23/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 82.46% White, 13.47% African American, 1.08% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 3.33% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 19,077 households out of which 32.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.00% are married couples living together, 13.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% are non-families. 26.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.30% 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 2.99.
In the county, the population is spread out with 26.10% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 26.80% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 91.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $31,609, and the median income for a family is $38,359. Males have a median income of $30,539 versus $21,095 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,000. 16.40% of the population and 12.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.50% are under the age of 18 and 14.30% are 65 or older.