Hernando County, Florida

History Benton County was created in 1844. It was renamed Hernando County in 1850. It was named for Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorer, whose name was also honored in De Soto County.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,526 km² (589 mi²). 1,239 km² (478 mi²) of it is land and 287 km² (111 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 18.80% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 130,802 people, 55,425 households, and 40,016 families residing in the county. The population density is 106/km² (274/mi²). There are 62,727 housing units at an average density of 51/km² (131/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.85% White, 4.07% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. 5.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 55,425 households out of which 21.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% are married couples living together, 8.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% are non-families. 23.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.70.

In the county the population is spread out with 18.90% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 20.40% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 30.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 50 years. For every 100 females there are 90.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $32,572, and the median income for a family is $37,509. Males have a median income of $30,295 versus $21,661 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,321. 10.30% of the population and 7.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.90% are under the age of 18 and 6.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bayport
• Brookridge
• Brooksville
• Hernando Beach
• High Point
• Hill 'n Dale
• Istachatta
• Lake Lindsey
• Masaryktown
• Nobleton
• North Brooksville
• North Weeki Wachee
• Pine Island
• Ridge Manor
• South Brooksville
• Spring Hill
• Spring Lake
• Timber Pines
• Weeki Wachee Gardens
• Weeki Wachee