Sumter County, Florida

Sumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of 2000, the population was 53,345. Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida ⁶.

History

Sumter County was created in 1853. It was named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county in the past, and to this day by some, is nicknamed "Hog County". The nickname was given to the county because the region was known for its lawless nature and for being a haven for many moonshiners, crooks, and outlaws.

Although extremely rural, in recent years Sumter County has sustained an exceptionally large increase in population, almost solely due to the expansion of The Villages retirement complex, a significant portion of which is in the county. This has dramatically changed the demographics of the county and has brought in significant income.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,503 km² (580 mi²). 1,413 km² (546 mi²) of it is land and 90 km² (35 mi²) of it (5.96%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 53,345 people, 20,779 households, and 15,043 families residing in the county. The population density was 38/km² (98/mi²). There were 25,195 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (46/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 82.60% White, 13.78% Black or African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. 6.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 20,779 households out of which 18.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the county the population was spread out with 16.10% under the age of 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 27.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 113.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,073, and the median income for a family was $36,999. Males had a median income of $27,346 versus $21,145 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,830. About 9.60% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.00% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.

Municipalities

Incorporated

City of Bushnell
City of Center Hill
City of Coleman
City of Webster
City of Wildwood

Unincorporated

External links

Government links/Constitutional offices

Special districts

Judicial branch

Public Defender, 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida serving Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties
Office of the State Attorney, 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Circuit and County Court for the 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Miscellaneous

Photographs From the State Library & Archives of Florida.

Florida counties | Sumter County, Florida

Sumter County (Florida) | Condado de Sumter (Florida) | Condado de Sumter (Flórida)

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