Sumter County, Florida

History Sumter County was created in 1853. It was named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,503 km² (580 mi²). 1,413 km² (546 mi²) of it is land and 90 km² (35 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 5.96% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 53,345 people, 20,779 households, and 15,043 families residing in the county. The population density is 38/km² (98/mi²). There are 25,195 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (46/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 82.60% White, 13.78% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. 6.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,779 households out of which 18.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% are married couples living together, 8.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% are non-families. 23.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.27 and the average family size is 2.62.

In the county the population is spread out with 16.10% under the age of 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 27.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 49 years. For every 100 females there are 113.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 113.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $32,073, and the median income for a family is $36,999. Males have a median income of $27,346 versus $21,145 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,830. 13.70% of the population and 9.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 26.00% are under the age of 18 and 7.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bushnell
• Center Hill
• Coleman
• Lake Panasoffkee
• The Villages
• Webster
• Wildwood