Hardee County, Florida

History It was named for Cary A. Hardee[?], Governor of Florida from 1921 to 1925. Hardee County was created in 1921.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,653 km² (638 mi²). 1,651 km² (637 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.16% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 26,938 people, 8,166 households, and 6,255 families residing in the county. The population density is 16/km² (42/mi²). There are 9,820 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 70.66% White, 8.33% African American, 0.68% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 17.99% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. 35.68% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,166 households out of which 34.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.00% are married couples living together, 11.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.40% are non-families. 18.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.06 and the average family size is 3.40.

In the county the population is spread out with 27.60% under the age of 18, 11.00% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 19.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 119.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 123.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,183, and the median income for a family is $32,487. Males have a median income of $23,793 versus $18,823 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,445. 24.60% of the population and 17.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 30.20% are under the age of 18 and 16.10% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bowling Green
• Wauchula
• Zolfo Springs