The county does not have a county government, but is administered by the state department of health. The 2000 census was 147. The quarantine policy was lifted in 1969, after Hansen's disease became treatable on an outpatient basis and could be rendered non-contagious. However, many of the resident patients chose to remain, and the state has promised they can stay there for the rest of their lives. No new patients, or other permanent residents, are admitted. State law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from visiting or living there.
Visitors are only permitted as part of officially-sanctioned tours.
See Father Damien.
There are 115 households out of which 1.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 16.50% are married couples living together, 2.60% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 80.90% are non-families. 79.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 31.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.28 and the average family size is 2.27.
In the county, the population is spread out with 2.00% under the age of 18, 1.40% from 18 to 24, 18.40% from 25 to 44, 46.30% from 45 to 64, and 32.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 59 years. For every 100 females there are 98.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.80 males.
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