Clark County, Indiana

Clark County is a located in the  of, located directly across the  from. At the 2000 Census, the population was 96,472. As of 2006, the county's population was estimated at 103,569. The is. is also a major city in the county.

Geography
According to the, the county has a total area of 974 (376 ). 971 km² (375 sq mi) of it is land and 3 km² (1 sq mi) of it (0.31%) is water.

History
Clark County lies on the North bank of the. A significant gateway to the state of, Clark County’s settlement began in 1783. The state of rewarded General  and his regiment for their  of Forts Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes from the British by granting them 150,000 acres of land. A small portion of this land, 1000 acres, became known as, the first authorized American settlement in , founded the next year in 1784. Organized in 1801, Clark County originally included all or part of Floyd, Clark, Harrison, Washington, Scott, Jennings, Jackson, Ripley, Decatur, Bartholomew, Franklin, Shelby, Rush, Fayette, Union, Randolph, Henry, Wayne, Jay, and Switzerland Counties. The platting of Jeffersonville occurred a year later.

From its beginning Clark County’s history, culture and growth has been linked to the development of the river. The use of the steamboat in the early 1800’s to transport goods and services provided Clark County opportunities for commercial and industrial growth. In 1832, founded the  making Clark County a leader in ship building and bringing with it economic growth.

The railroad brought further economic growth. Two railroad lines, the Monon, which spanned from New Albany to Chicago and the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis railroad, provided Clark County and southern Indiana with access to the northern trading centers of Indianapolis and Chicago.

Industries locating to Clark County during the 1800’s included the in Speed, Indiana and the Ford Plate Glass Company established in Jeffersonville in 1876.

On September 23, 1878 the county seat returned to Jeffersonville from Charlestown, after an absence of 66 years.

During the 1920’s, Clark County attracted the to the Clarksville Riverfront. Colgate purchased the former in 1923. The Company rehabilitated and adapted the building for its dedication in 1924.

Throughout the years of the Second World War, Clark County prospered. The United States began construction on the Indiana Arsenal near in 1940. Producing smokeless powder for the conflict overseas, the arsenal, at times, employed as many as 20,000. During the war, Howard shipyards was Commissioned by the Navy to produce landing craft. Later Howard shipyards reorganized as Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company — a current major employer (1991).

After World War II ended, Clark County as well as the United States experienced significant residential and commercial growth. The Interstate Highway System act of 1956 aided this growth. Because of the improved access and efficiency brought by the interstate system, especially, new development in the form of subdivisions and shopping centers located near these roads.

Mindful of its rich past, Clark County progresses toward the future boasting a diversified economic base and excellent development opportunities.

Clark County history has been closely associated with the development of the. From its beginnings, Clark County relied on the river for economic opportunities. Clark County has diversified its economic base, lessened its dependency on the river, and continues to develop in new directions. However, the county still looks to the river as one link to its significant pioneer heritage.

Government
The Clark County building is located on Court Avenue in downtown Jeffersonville, and has a council of 7 elected officials. The Clark County Council includes : The council members serve four (4) year terms beginning January 1 after the election. One (1) member of the fiscal body shall be elected by the voters of each of the four (4) districts and must reside in that district. Three (3) At-large members of the fiscal body shall be elected by the voters of the whole county and must reside in the county. The at-large seats serve two year terms.

Demographics
As of the of 2000, there were 96,472 people, 38,751 households, and 26,544 families residing in the county. The was 99/km² (257/sq mi). There were 41,176 housing units at an average density of 42/km² (110/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 90.30%, 6.63% or , 0.26% , 0.59% , 0.04% , 0.79% from , and 1.40% from two or more races. 1.86% of the population were or  of any race. 23.7% were of, 23.3% , 11.9% and 10.1%  ancestry according to.

There were 38,751 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.10% were living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county the population was spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,111, and the median income for a family was $47,412. Males had a median income of $32,197 versus $24,033 for females. The for the county was $19,936. About 6.00% of families and 8.10% of the population were below the, including 10.20% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.