Organized with approximately 100 residents in 1831, Cook County is a county located in the state of Illinois. As of 2000, the population is 5,376,741, making it the second largest county by population in the U.S (after Los Angeles County, California). The county seat is Chicago, the principal city of its metropolitan area, Chicagoland. Cook County is named for Daniel Pope Cook, the first U.S. representative from Illinois.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,235 km2 (1,635 mi2). 2,449 km2 (946 mi2) of it is land and 1,785 km2 (689 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 42.16% water
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 5,376,741 people, 1,974,181 households, and 1,269,398 families residing in the county. The population density is 2,195/km2 (5,686/mi2). There are 2,096,121 housing units at an average density of 856/km2 (2,216/mi2). The racial makeup of the county is 56.27% White, 26.14% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 4.84% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 9.88% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. 19.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,974,181 households out of which 30.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.00% are married couples living together, 15.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.70% are non-families. 29.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.68 and the average family size is 3.38.
In the county the population is spread out with 26.00% under the age of 18, 9.90% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 20.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $45,922, and the median income for a family is $53,784. Males have a median income of $40,690 versus $31,298 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,227. 13.50% of the population and 10.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.90% of those under the age of 18 and 10.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns
External links
Last updated: 05-22-2005 15:56:27
