Staunton, Virginia

Street of Staunton

Staunton is an independent city within the confines of Augusta County in the state of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 23,853. The locals pronounce the name "STAN-tun" instead of "STAWN-tun". It is the county seat of Augusta County⁶.

Staunton is also the birthplace of the 28th President of the United States of America, Woodrow Wilson.

Geography

Staunton is located at 38°9'28" North, 79°4'35" West (38.15792, -79.07645)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 51.0 km² (19.7 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 23,853 people, 9,676 households, and 5,766 families residing in the city. The population density is 467.3/km² (1,210.3/mi²). There are 10,427 housing units at an average density of 204.3/km² (529.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 83.29% White, 13.95% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 9,676 households out of which 24.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% are married couples living together, 11.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% are non-families. 34.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.19 and the average family size is 2.81.

In the city the population is spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,941, and the median income for a family is $44,422. Males have a median income of $30,153 versus $22,079 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,161. 11.7% of the population and 7.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Tourism

Tourism is one of Staunton's highest appeals. It is home to the world famous Blackfriars Theatre, the only existing replica of Shakespeare's theatre on earth. Many museums dedicated to Woodrow Wilson are also open to tourists, as well as the Frontier Culture Museum, an insider's look at life in early America. On top of these landmarks, Staunton also boasts an annual Victorian festival that attracts people from all over the world to dress up and play make believe for a week.