Chatham County is part of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Per the 2000 census, Chatham County’s total population was 232,048 people, comprising 89,865 households, and 59,400 families. The population density was 530 people per square mile. There were 99,683 housing units at an average density of 228 per square mile.
The racial makeup of the county was 55.28% White, 40.50% Black, 2.33% Hispanic, 0.25% Native American, 1.73% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, and 0.89% other. The age of the population was spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 11.20% from 18 to 24, 29.50% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years old.
The median income per household was $37,752, and the median income for a family was $46,125. Males had a median income of $35,132 versus $24,686 for females. Chatham County residence’s per capita income was $21,152. Estimates show 11.80% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.10% of those under age 18 and 11.50% of those ages 65 or older.