Highlands County, Florida

History Highlands County was created in 1921. It was named for the terrain of the county.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,865 km² (1,106 mi²). 2,663 km² (1,028 mi²) of it is land and 202 km² (78 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 7.05% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 87,366 people, 37,471 households, and 25,780 families residing in the county. The population density is 33/km² (85/mi²). There are 48,846 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (48/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 83.47% White, 9.33% African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.14% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. 12.07% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 37,471 households out of which 20.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.20% are married couples living together, 8.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% are non-families. 26.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.30 and the average family size is 2.70.

In the county the population is spread out with 19.20% under the age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 19.30% from 25 to 44, 22.20% from 45 to 64, and 33.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 50 years. For every 100 females there are 95.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,160, and the median income for a family is $35,647. Males have a median income of $26,811 versus $20,725 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,222. 15.20% of the population and 10.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.60% are under the age of 18 and 7.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Avon Park
• Lake Placid
• Placid Lakes
• Sebring
• Sylvan Shores