The only incorporated city in the county is Mammoth Lakes, which is located at the foot of Mammoth Mountain. Other locations, such as June Lake, are also famous as skiing and fishing resorts. Located in the middle of the county is Mono Lake, a vital habitat for millions of migratory and nesting birds. The lake is located in a wild natural setting, with pinnacles of tufa arising out of the salty and alkaline lake.
Also located in Mono County is Bodie, the official state gold rush ghost town.
History
Mono County was formed in 1861 from parts of Calaveras County, Fresno County and Mariposa County. Parts of the county's territory were given to Inyo County in 1866.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 8,111 km² (3,132 mi²). 7,885 km² (3,044 mi²) of it is land and 226 km² (87 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.79% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 12,853 people, 5,137 households, and 3,143 families residing in the county. The population density is 2/km² (4/mi²). There are 11,757 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (4/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 84.17% White, 0.47% Black or African American, 2.40% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 9.51% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. 17.69% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 5,137 households out of which 28.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.60% are married couples living together, 6.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.80% are non-families. 26.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.98.
In the county the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 10.30% from 18 to 24, 33.40% from 25 to 44, 25.60% from 45 to 64, and 7.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 121.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 126.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $44,992, and the median income for a family is $50,487. Males have a median income of $32,600 versus $26,227 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,422. 11.50% of the population and 6.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.20% are under the age of 18 and 1.90% are 65 or older.