As of the censusGeographic references#2 sq of 2000, there were 39,080 people, 14,263 households, and 9,499 families residing in the parish. The population density was 12/km sq (31/mi sq). There were 16,890 housing units at an average density of 5/km sq (14/mi sq). The racial makeup of the parish was 57.85% Race (United States Census)White, 38.43% Race (United States Census)Black or Race (United States Census)African American, 1.08% Race (United States Census)Native American, 0.44% Race (United States Census)Asian, 0.02% Race (United States Census)Pacific Islander, 0.92% from Race (United States Census)other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. 1.45% of the population were Race (United States Census)Hispanic or Race (United States Census)Latino of any race. There were 14,263 households out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.30% were Marriagemarried couples living together, 17.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.40% were non-families. 27.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14. In the parish the population was spread out with 26.00% under the age of 18, 17.90% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 19.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 90.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.80 males. The median income for a household in the parish was $25,722, and the median income for a family was $32,816. Males had a median income of $29,388 versus $19,234 for females. The per capita income for the parish was $13,743. About 20.90% of families and 26.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.70% of those under age 18 and 19.00% of those age 65 or over. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchitoches_Parish%2C_Louisiana