As of the census of 2000, there were 46,564 people, 17,873 households, and 12,582 families residing in the county. The population density was 98 people per square mile (38/km²). There were 19,886 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 64.84% White, 30.53% Black or African American, 1.65% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.08% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. 2.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
In 2005 62.0% of Richmond Counties population was non-Hispanic whites. 30.9% of the population was African-American. 3.9% of the population was Latino. 1.9% of the population was Native American.
There were 17,873 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.30% were married couples living together, 17.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 10.10% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,830, and the median income for a family was $35,226. Males had a median income of $27,308 versus $20,453 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,485. About 15.90% of families and 19.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.70% of those under age 18 and 18.90% of those age 65 or over.