Hendry County, Florida

History Hendry County was created in 1923. It was named for Captain Francis A. Hendry, one of the first settlers.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,082 km² (1,190 mi²). 2,985 km² (1,153 mi²) of it is land and 96 km² (37 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.13% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 36,210 people, 10,850 households, and 8,137 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (31/mi²). There are 12,294 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (11/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 66.08% White, 14.75% African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 14.67% from other races, and 3.22% from two or more races. 39.59% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 10,850 households out of which 40.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.70% are married couples living together, 12.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.00% are non-families. 18.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.09 and the average family size is 3.44.

In the county the population is spread out with 30.00% under the age of 18, 13.30% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 18.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 125.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 131.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $33,592, and the median income for a family is $34,902. Males have a median income of $25,896 versus $20,070 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,663. 24.10% of the population and 16.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 29.90% are under the age of 18 and 15.00% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Clewiston
• Harlem
• Labelle
• Port La Belle