As of the census2 of 2000, there are 94,782 households, and 66,157 families residing in the county. The population density is 242/km˛ (628/mi˛). There are 111,733 housing units at an average density of 108/km˛ (280/mi˛). The racial makeup of the county is 72.69% White, 15.44% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 7.18% from other races, and 2.08% from two or more races. 17.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 94,782 households out of which 33.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.40% are married couples living together, 13.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% are non-families. 25.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.60 and the average family size is 3.12.

The median income for a household in the county is $42,419, and the median income for a family is $51,435. Males have a median income of $41,406 versus $28,703 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,568. 13.20% of the population and 10.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 17.60% of those under the age of 18 and 10.20% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Adjacent counties include the following: Harris County, Chambers County, Gulf of Mexico, and Brazoria County.