Manatee County, Florida

History Manatee County was created in 1855. It was named for the manatee or sea cow.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,312 km² (893 mi²). 1,919 km² (741 mi²) of it is land and 393 km² (152 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 16.99% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 264,002 people, 112,460 households, and 73,773 families residing in the county. The population density is 138/km² (356/mi²). There are 138,128 housing units at an average density of 72/km² (186/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 86.36% White, 8.19% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.84% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. 9.30% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 112,460 households out of which 23.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% are married couples living together, 9.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% are non-families. 28.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.29 and the average family size is 2.78.

In the county the population is spread out with 20.70% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 24.60% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 24.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 93.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $38,673, and the median income for a family is $46,576. Males have a median income of $31,607 versus $25,007 for females. The per capita income for the county is $22,388. 10.10% of the population and 7.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.30% are under the age of 18 and 6.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Anna Maria
• Bayshore Gardens
• Bradenton
• Bradenton Beach
• Cortez
• Ellenton
• Holmes Beach
• Longboat Key
• Memphis
• Palmetto
• Samoset
• South Bradenton
• West Bradenton
• West Samoset
• Whitfield