Catawba County is located in the state of North Carolina . The population of this County is 141,685 according to the 2000 Census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,071 km² (414 mi²). 1,036 km² (400 mi²) of it is land and 35 km² (14 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.27% water. Its county seat is Newton6.
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 141,685 people, 55,533 households, and 39,095 families residing in the county. The population density is 137/km² (354/mi²). There are 59,919 housing units at an average density of 58/km² (150/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 84.99% White, 8.37% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 2.93% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.26% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. 5.57% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median income for a household in the county is $40,536, and the median income for a family is $47,474. Males have a median income of $30,822 versus $23,352 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,358. 9.10% of the population and 6.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.50% of those under the age of 18 and 9.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The county is divided into eight townships: Bandy's, Caldwell , Catawba, Clines, Hickory , Jacobs Fork, Mountain Creek, Newton , and Longview . Neighboring areas include the following: Alexander County , Iredell County , Lincoln County , Burke County , and Caldwell County.