Del Norte County, California

Del Norte County is California's northwesternmost county, located on the Pacific coast south of Oregon. As of the 2000 census, it had a population of 27,507. The county seat is Crescent City, the county's only incorporated city. The county is bordered by the state of Oregon to the north.

Del Norte County is noted for its redwood forests and the wild Smith River National Recreation Area.

History

Del Norte County was created in 1857, from part of the territory of Klamath County. Klamath County itself ceased to exist in 1875.

The name of the county signifies "the north" and the county derived its name from its geographical position in the extreme northwest corner of the state.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,185 km² (1,230 mi²). 2,610 km² (1,008 mi²) of it is land and 575 km² (222 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 18.05% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 27,507 people, 9,170 households, and 6,290 families residing in the county. The population density is 11/km² (27/mi²). There are 10,434 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (10/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 78.86% White, 4.30% Black or African American, 6.43% Native American, 2.32% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 3.92% from other races, and 4.08% from two or more races. 13.92% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 9,170 households out of which 33.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% are married couples living together, 13.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% are non-families. 25.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.08.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 32.20% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 123.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 130.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,642, and the median income for a family is $36,056. Males have a median income of $40,072 versus $22,212 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,573. 20.20% of the population and 16.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 26.70% of those under the age of 18 and 8.20% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

• Bertsch-Oceanview
• Crescent City
• Crescent City North
• Klamath

External links

• County of Del Norte website
• Photographic virtual tour of Del Norte County.