Lowndes County, Mississippi
County in Mississippi, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lowndes County is a county on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 58,879.[1] Its county seat is Columbus.[2] The county is named for U.S. Congressman William Jones Lowndes.[3]
Lowndes County, Mississippi | |
|---|---|
Lowndes County Courthouse in Columbus | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Mississippi | |
| Coordinates: 33°28′N 88°26′W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Mississippi |
| Founded | 1830 |
| Named after | William Jones Lowndes |
| Seat | Columbus |
| Largest city | Columbus |
| Area | |
• Total | 516 sq mi (1,340 km2) |
| • Land | 506 sq mi (1,310 km2) |
| • Water | 11 sq mi (28 km2) 2.1% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 58,879 |
• Estimate (2025) | 57,346  |
| • Density | 116/sq mi (44.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | lowndescountyms |
Lowndes County comprises the Columbus, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area.[4] Since the late 20th century, it has been designated as one of three counties in the Golden Triangle region of the state.
History
This upland area was settled by European Americans who wanted to develop cotton plantations to produce what became the largest commodity crop in the state.
In the period from 1877 to 1950, Lowndes County had 19 documented lynchings of African Americans, third to Carroll and Leflore counties, which had 29 and 48, respectively. This form of racial terrorism was at its height in the decades around the turn of the 20th century, which followed the state's disenfranchisement of most blacks in 1890 through creating barriers to voter registration.[5]
Geography
Lowndes County lies on the east side of Mississippi, bordering the U.S. state of Alabama. Its terrain was completely wooded before settlement; at present its more level areas have been cleared and turned to agricultural or urban use, with the drainages (about 40% of the total area) still wooded.[6] The Tennessee−Tombigbee Waterway flows south-southeastward through the center of the county, with a significant lock system (John C. Stennis Lock and Dam) near Columbus. The county's highest point (450 feet/140 meters ASL) is a small rise near the county's NE corner.[7]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 516 square miles (1,340 km2), of which 506 square miles (1,310 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (2.1%) is water.[8]
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Noxubee County - south
- Oktibbeha County - west
- Clay County - northwest
- Monroe County - north
- Lamar County, Alabama - northeast
- Pickens County, Alabama - southeast
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1830 | 3,173 | — | |
| 1840 | 14,513 | 357.4% | |
| 1850 | 19,544 | 34.7% | |
| 1860 | 23,625 | 20.9% | |
| 1870 | 30,502 | 29.1% | |
| 1880 | 28,244 | −7.4% | |
| 1890 | 27,047 | −4.2% | |
| 1900 | 29,095 | 7.6% | |
| 1910 | 30,703 | 5.5% | |
| 1920 | 27,632 | −10.0% | |
| 1930 | 29,987 | 8.5% | |
| 1940 | 35,245 | 17.5% | |
| 1950 | 37,852 | 7.4% | |
| 1960 | 46,639 | 23.2% | |
| 1970 | 49,700 | 6.6% | |
| 1980 | 57,304 | 15.3% | |
| 1990 | 59,308 | 3.5% | |
| 2000 | 61,586 | 3.8% | |
| 2010 | 59,779 | −2.9% | |
| 2020 | 58,879 | −1.5% | |
| 2025 (est.) | 57,346 | [9] | −2.6% |
| US Decennial Census[10] 1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12] 1990-2000[13] 2010-2013[14] | |||
Racial and ethnic composition
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[15] | Pop 1990[16] | Pop 2000[17] | Pop 2010[18] | Pop 2020[19] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 36,910 | 36,442 | 34,489 | 31,847 | 29,363 | 64.41% | 61.45% | 56.00% | 53.27% | 49.87% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 19,425 | 21,990 | 25,486 | 25,904 | 25,885 | 33.90% | 37.08% | 41.38% | 43.33% | 43.96% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 71 | 75 | 99 | 98 | 110 | 0.12% | 0.13% | 0.16% | 0.16% | 0.19% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 259 | 289 | 329 | 394 | 514 | 0.45% | 0.49% | 0.53% | 0.66% | 0.87% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [20] | x [21] | 8 | 31 | 16 | x | x | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 118 | 21 | 29 | 34 | 110 | 0.21% | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.19% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [22] | x [23] | 462 | 557 | 1,558 | x | x | 0.75% | 0.93% | 2.65% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 521 | 491 | 684 | 914 | 1,323 | 0.91% | 0.83% | 1.11% | 1.53% | 2.25% |
| Total | 57,304 | 59,308 | 61,586 | 59,779 | 58,879 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 58,879. The median age was 38.3 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 17.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 88.0 males age 18 and over.[24][25]
The racial makeup of the county was 50.6% White, 44.2% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.9% from some other race, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.2% of the population.[25]
45.7% of residents lived in urban areas, while 54.3% lived in rural areas.[26]
There were 23,680 households in the county, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 40.2% were married-couple households, 20.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 34.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[24]
There were 26,882 housing units, of which 11.9% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 62.2% were owner-occupied and 37.8% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 13.2%.[24]
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 59,779 people in the county. 54.0% were White, 43.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% of some other race and 1.1% of two or more races. 1.5% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census,[27] there were 61,586 people, 22,849 households, and 16,405 families in the county. The population density was 123 people per square mile (47 people/km2). There were 25,104 housing units at an average density of 50 units per square mile (19 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 56.47% White, 41.56% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 22,849 households, out of which 36.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.20% were married couples living together, 18.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.13.
The county population contained 28.60% under the age of 18, 10.60% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 11.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 89.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.20 males age 18 and over.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,123, and the median income for a family was $38,248. Males had a median income of $31,792 versus $20,640 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,514. About 18.00% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.80% of those under age 18 and 16.80% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Primary and secondary schools
Portions of Lowndes County are served by the Columbus Municipal School District and the Lowndes County School District.[28]
Private schools are under the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools – Lowndes County Division.
The Columbus Municipal School District includes:
- Columbus High School
- Columbus Middle School
- McKellar Technology Center
- Joe Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School
- Fairview Elementary Aerospace and Science Magnet School
- Franklin Academy Elementary Medical Sciences and Wellness Magnet School
- Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet School
- Stokes-Beard Elementary Communication and Technology Magnet School
- Columbus Alternative School
The Lowndes County School District has three areas, each with an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school
- Caledonia Schools
- New Hope Schools
- West Lowndes Schools
The Mississippi Association of Independent Schools – Lowndes County Division has provided five private and parochial schools for Lowndes County
- Heritage Academy High School
- Heritage Academy Elementary School
- Columbus Christian Academy
- Victory Christian Academy
- Annunciation Catholic School
On-post families at Columbus Air Force Base may choose between
Colleges and universities
Mississippi University for Women is located in Columbus. Lowndes County is within the service area of the East Mississippi Community College system.[29] The Golden Triangle Campus is located in Mayhew, an unincorporated area in Lowndes County. The system also offers classes at the Columbus Air Force Base Extension in Columbus.[30]
Communities
City
- Columbus (county seat)
Town
Census-designated places
Unincorporated communities
Ghost towns
Politics
Lowndes County leans Republican, having not supported a Democrat since 1956. However, in 2008 Democrat Barack Obama came the closest to winning the county since Adlai Stevenson had won it in 1956, and in 2012 Obama came even closer, only losing it by 130 votes. While the margin has widened again in subsequent elections, Republican candidates have been unable to regain double digit victories in the county.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1912 | 12 | 1.32% | 872 | 95.82% | 26 | 2.86% |
| 1916 | 29 | 2.72% | 1,028 | 96.53% | 8 | 0.75% |
| 1920 | 51 | 5.16% | 928 | 93.93% | 9 | 0.91% |
| 1924 | 62 | 3.61% | 1,655 | 96.39% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1928 | 185 | 7.97% | 2,136 | 92.03% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1932 | 50 | 2.12% | 2,305 | 97.50% | 9 | 0.38% |
| 1936 | 56 | 2.34% | 2,328 | 97.24% | 10 | 0.42% |
| 1940 | 147 | 6.08% | 2,268 | 93.80% | 3 | 0.12% |
| 1944 | 360 | 13.98% | 2,216 | 86.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 66 | 2.25% | 116 | 3.95% | 2,755 | 93.80% |
| 1952 | 2,670 | 62.27% | 1,618 | 37.73% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 1,205 | 29.21% | 2,308 | 55.94% | 613 | 14.86% |
| 1960 | 2,010 | 42.95% | 1,240 | 26.50% | 1,430 | 30.56% |
| 1964 | 6,135 | 92.01% | 533 | 7.99% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 1,968 | 17.85% | 2,229 | 20.22% | 6,829 | 61.94% |
| 1972 | 10,098 | 78.70% | 2,398 | 18.69% | 335 | 2.61% |
| 1976 | 8,003 | 54.44% | 6,181 | 42.05% | 516 | 3.51% |
| 1980 | 9,973 | 60.98% | 6,187 | 37.83% | 195 | 1.19% |
| 1984 | 12,049 | 66.29% | 6,078 | 33.44% | 50 | 0.28% |
| 1988 | 11,258 | 64.96% | 5,993 | 34.58% | 80 | 0.46% |
| 1992 | 10,509 | 55.80% | 6,552 | 34.79% | 1,774 | 9.42% |
| 1996 | 9,169 | 56.40% | 6,220 | 38.26% | 869 | 5.35% |
| 2000 | 11,404 | 59.30% | 7,537 | 39.19% | 289 | 1.50% |
| 2004 | 13,690 | 56.41% | 10,408 | 42.89% | 170 | 0.70% |
| 2008 | 13,994 | 50.95% | 13,209 | 48.09% | 262 | 0.95% |
| 2012 | 13,518 | 49.78% | 13,388 | 49.30% | 252 | 0.93% |
| 2016 | 13,271 | 51.89% | 11,819 | 46.21% | 485 | 1.90% |
| 2020 | 13,800 | 50.66% | 13,087 | 48.04% | 354 | 1.30% |
| 2024 | 13,087 | 53.58% | 11,096 | 45.43% | 243 | 0.99% |