Okaloosa County, Florida

History Okaloosa County was created in 1915. It was named for Choctaw words oka (water) and lusa (black).

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,802 km² (1,082 mi²). 2,423 km² (936 mi²) of it is land and 379 km² (146 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.53% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 170,498 people, 66,269 households, and 46,520 families residing in the county. The population density is 70/km² (182/mi²). There are 78,593 housing units at an average density of 32/km² (84/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 83.41% White, 9.10% African American, 0.60% Native American, 2.47% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 1.33% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. 4.28% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 66,269 households out of which 33.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% are married couples living together, 10.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.80% are non-families. 23.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $41,474, and the median income for a family is $47,711. Males have a median income of $30,977 versus $21,961 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,918. 8.80% of the population and 6.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.70% are under the age of 18 and 6.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Cinco Bayou
• Crestview
• Destin
• Eglin AFB
• Fort Walton Beach
• Lake Lorraine
• Laurel Hill
• Mary Esther
• Niceville
• Ocean City
• Shalimar
• Valparaiso
• Wright