Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 21,176 people, 7,435 households, and 5,382 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 8,327 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 45.73% White, 53.20% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,435 households, of which 34.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.70% were married couples living together, 21.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% were non-families. 24.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65, and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county the population was spread out with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 81.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.20 males. The median income for a household in the county was $29,910, and the median income for a family was $36,325. Males had a median income of $33,263 versus $21,388 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,565. About 18.70% of families and 22.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.00% of those under age 18 and 23.20% of those age 65 or over.

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 21,187 people, 7,547 households, and 5,269 families residing in the county. The population density was 31.2 inhabitants per square mile (12.0/km2). There were 9,047 housing units at an average density of 13.3 per square mile (5.1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 52.7% black or African American, 45.0% white, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.9% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 10.4% were American.

Of the 7,547 households, 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 22.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.2% were non-families, and 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.10. The median age was 38.9 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,382 and the median income for a family was $41,055. Males had a median income of $35,699 versus $24,860 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,033. About 19.0% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.6% of those under age 18 and 18.2% of those age 65 or over.