The southernmost part of Yosemite National Park is located in the county's northeast.
History
Madera County was formed in 1893 from parts of Fresno County.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,577 km² (2,153 mi²). 5,532 km² (2,136 mi²) of it is land and 45 km² (17 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.81% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 123,109 people, 36,155 households, and 28,598 families residing in the county. The population density is 22/km² (58/mi²). There are 40,387 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 62.23% White, 4.12% Black or African American, 2.61% Native American, 1.27% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 24.35% from other races, and 5.25% from two or more races. 44.28% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 36,155 households out of which 40.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% are married couples living together, 12.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 20.90% are non-families. 16.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.18 and the average family size is 3.52.
In the county the population is spread out with 29.60% under the age of 18, 9.90% from 18 to 24, 29.10% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $36,286, and the median income for a family is $39,226. Males have a median income of $33,658 versus $24,415 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,682. 21.40% of the population and 15.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.60% are under the age of 18 and 9.00% are 65 or older.