Suwannee County, Florida

History Suwannee County was created in 1858. It was either named in a corruption of the Spanish San Juan ("Saint John") or from the Cherokee sawani ("echo river").

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,792 km² (692 mi²). 1,781 km² (688 mi²) of it is land and 11 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.62% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 34,844 people, 13,460 households, and 9,691 families residing in the county. The population density is 20/km² (51/mi²). There are 15,679 housing units at an average density of 9/km² (23/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 84.53% White, 12.11% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 4.89% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 13,460 households out of which 29.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.50% are married couples living together, 11.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% are non-families. 23.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.54 and the average family size is 2.96.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.00% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 16.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,963, and the median income for a family is $34,032. Males have a median income of $26,256 versus $21,136 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,678. 18.50% of the population and 14.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 21.90% are under the age of 18 and 12.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Branford
• Live Oak