As of the census2 of 2000, there were 62,001 people, 21,997 households, and 17,113 families residing in the county. The population density was 87/km² (224/mi²). There were 23,033 housing units at an average density of 32/km² (83/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.27% White, 22.21% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. 1.87% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 21,997 households out of which 37.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 14.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.20% were non-families. 18.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,875, and the median income for a family was $49,748. Males had a median income of $36,742 versus $26,097 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,317. 10.00% of the population and 7.20% of families were below the poverty line. 14.90% of those under the age of 18 and 8.80% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Newton County neighboring areas include: Walton County, Morgan County, Jasper County, Butts County, Henry County, and Rockdale County. The cities and towns located within the county are Covington, Mansfield, Newborn, Oxford, Porterdale, and Rocky Plains.