Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population is 12,902. Its county seat is Monticello, Florida⁶.

History

Jefferson County was created in 1827. It was named for Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States of America, who served from 1801 to 1809.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,649 km² (637 mi²). 1,548 km² (598 mi²) of it is land and 101 km² (39 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.11% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 12,902 people, 4,695 households, and 3,305 families residing in the county. The population density is 8/km² (22/mi²). There are 5,251 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (9/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 59.27% White, 38.34% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.57% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 2.25% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,695 households out of which 29.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.00% are married couples living together, 15.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% are non-families. 25.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.03.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 25.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 104.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 104.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $32,998, and the median income for a family is $40,407. Males have a median income of $26,271 versus $25,748 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,006. 17.10% of the population and 13.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 21.70% of those under the age of 18 and 17.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.