Leon County, Florida

History Leon County was created in 1824. It was named for the Juan Ponce de Leon, Spanish explorer who was the first European to reach Florida.

Geography Unlike much of Florida, Leon county has rolling hills. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,818 km² (702 mi²). 1,727 km² (667 mi²) of it is land and 91 km² (35 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.99% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 239,452 people, 96,521 households, and 54,341 families residing in the county. The population density is 139/km² (359/mi²). There are 103,974 housing units at an average density of 60/km² (156/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 66.36% White, 29.11% African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.91% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. 3.51% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 96,521 households out of which 27.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.80% are married couples living together, 13.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 43.70% are non-families. 29.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.34 and the average family size is 2.95.

In the county the population is spread out with 21.30% under the age of 18, 21.40% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 20.00% from 45 to 64, and 8.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 91.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,517, and the median income for a family is $52,962. Males have a median income of $35,235 versus $28,110 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,024. 18.20% of the population and 9.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.20% are under the age of 18 and 8.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Tallahassee
• Woodville