Polk County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 483,924. The county seat is Bartow, Florida⁶. Its largest city is Lakeland, Florida.

History

Polk County was created in 1861 from the eastern section of Hillsborough County, Florida. It was named for James K. Polk, eleventh President of the United States of America, who served from 1845 to 1849.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,206 km² (2,010 mi²). 4,855 km² (1,874 mi²) of it is land and 351 km² (136 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.75% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 483,924 people, 187,233 households, and 132,373 families residing in the county. The population density was 100/km² (258/mi²). There were 226,376 housing units at an average density of 47/km² (121/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.58% White, 13.54% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.82% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. 9.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 187,233 households, of which 29.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.40% were married couples living together, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% hae someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county the population was spread out, with 24.40% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,036, and the median income for a family was $41,442. Males hae a median income of $31,396, versus $22,406 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,302. 12.90% of the population and 9.40% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.10% were under the age of 18 and 8.10% were 65 or older.

Cities and towns

Incorporated

• Auburndale
• Bartow
• Davenport
• Dundee
• Eagle Lake
• Fort Meade
• Frostproof
• Haines City
• Highland Park
• Hillcrest Heights
• Lake Alfred
• Lake Hamilton
• Lake Wales
• Lakeland
• Mulberry
• Polk City
• Winter Haven

Unincorporated

• Babson Park
• Brewster
• Combee Settlement
• Crooked Lake Park
• Crystal Lake
• Cypress Gardens
• Fussels Corner
• Gibsonia
• Highland City
• Inwood
• Jan Phyl Village
• Kathleen
• Lakeland Highlands
• Loughman
• Medulla
• Poinciana
• Wahneta
• Waverly
• Willow Oak
• Winston

Polk County Wikipedians

• Zeerus

External links

Government links/Constitutional offices

• Polk County Government / Board of County Commissioners official website
• Polk County Supervisor of Elections
• Polk County Property Appraiser
• Polk County Sheriff's Office
• Polk County Tax Collector

Special districts

• Polk County Public Schools
• South Florida Water Management District
• Southwest Florida Water Management District

Judicial branch

• Polk County Clerk of Courts
• Public Defender, 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida servings Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties
• Office of the State Attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida
• 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Tourism links

• Polk County Convention and Visitors Bureau