As of the census of 2000, there were 96,065 people, 35,552 households, and 24,282 families residing in the county. The population density was 292 people per square mile (113/km²). There were 39,656 housing units at an average density of 120 per square mile (46/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 60.13% Black or African American, 37.80% White, 0.23% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.34% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 35,552 households out of which 32.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.90% were married couples living together, 23.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.70% were non-families. 26.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the county the population was spread out with 27.70% under the age of 18, 12.20% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 20.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 87.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,934, and the median income for a family was $36,655. Males had a median income of $30,742 versus $22,254 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,645. About 19.60% of families and 24.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.30% of those under age 18 and 17.20% of those age 65 or over.