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Hamilton County, Florida

Coordinates: 30°29′N 82°57′W / 30.49°N 82.95°W / 30.49; -82.95
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hamilton County, Florida
County
Hamilton County Courthouse in Jasper
Hamilton County Courthouse in Jasper
Official seal of Hamilton County, Florida
Seal
Map of Florida highlighting Hamilton County
Location within the U.S. state of Florida
Coordinates: 30°29′N 82°57′W / 30.49°N 82.95°W / 30.49; -82.95
Country United States
State Florida
FoundedDecember 26, 1827
Named afterAlexander Hamilton
SeatJasper
Largest cityJasper
Area
 • Total
519 sq mi (1,340 km2)
 • Land514 sq mi (1,330 km2)
 • Water5.3 sq mi (14 km2)  1.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
14,004
 • Estimate 
(2023)
13,471 Decrease
 • Density27.2/sq mi (10.5/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.hamiltoncountyfl.com

Hamilton County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,004, down from 14,799 at the 2010 census.[1] Its county seat is Jasper.[2]

History

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Hamilton County was created in 1827[3] from portions of Jefferson County. It was named for Alexander Hamilton, first United States Secretary of the Treasury.[4]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 519 square miles (1,340 km2), of which 514 square miles (1,330 km2) is land and 5.3 square miles (14 km2) (1.0%) is water.[5] It is the only county in Florida entirely north of Interstate 10.[6]

Hamilton County is the only county in Florida that is not connected to Florida by land. This is due to it being separated from neighboring Florida counties by river (the Suwannee and the Withlacoochee rivers). It does, however, touch Georgia via land.

Adjacent counties

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Major Highway

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See also: List of county roads in Hamilton County, Florida

Railroads

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The main railroad line through Hamilton County is the Norfolk Southern Railway's Navair District (originally the Georgia Southern and Florida Railway), which runs mostly in close proximity to US 41 from Lake City across a bridge over the Suwannee River and the Columbia-Hamilton County Line southeast of White Plains to the Florida-Georgia State Line northwest of Jennings. A former section of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's DuPont—Lakeland Line survives as a rail trail in Jasper.

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1830553—
18401,464164.7%
18502,51171.5%
18604,15465.4%
18705,74938.4%
18806,79018.1%
18908,50725.3%
190011,88139.7%
191011,825−0.5%
19209,873−16.5%
19309,454−4.2%
19409,7783.4%
19508,981−8.2%
19607,705−14.2%
19707,7871.1%
19808,76112.5%
199010,93024.8%
200013,32721.9%
201014,79911.0%
202014,004−5.4%
2023 (est.)13,471[7] Decrease−3.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2019[1]

2020 census

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As of the 2020 census, the Hamilton County had a population of 14,004. There were 4,690 households and 3,072 families.[12][13] The population density was 27.2 per square mile (10.5/km2). There were 5,596 housing units at an average density of 10.9 per square mile (4.2/km2).[13][14][15]

The median age was 43.0 years; 19.1% of residents were under the age of 18, 7.0% were from 18 to 24, 26.4% were from 25 to 44, 28.6% were from 45 to 64, and 18.9% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 136.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 143.2 males age 18 and over.[15][13]

The racial makeup was 57.33% (8,028) white or European American (54.51% non-Hispanic white), 31.97% (4,477) black or African-American, 0.41% (58) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.31% (43) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 5.06% (709) from other races, and 4.92% (689) from two or more races.[16] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 10.39% (1,455) of the population.[17][18]

<0.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[19]

Of the 4,690 households, 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 41.2% were married-couple households, 21.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 31.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[15]

There were 5,596 housing units, of which 16.2% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 72.9% were owner-occupied and 27.1% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.1%.[15]

Racial and ethnic composition

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Hamilton County, Florida – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 1980[20] Pop 1990[21] Pop 2000[22] Pop 2010[23] Pop 2020[24] % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 5,398 6,356 7,336 8,124 7,633 61.61% 58.15% 55.05% 54.90% 54.51%
Black or African American alone (NH) 3,271 4,219 4,967 5,038 4,422 37.34% 38.60% 37.27% 34.04% 31.58%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 16 42 43 70 43 0.18% 0.38% 0.32% 0.47% 0.31%
Asian alone (NH) 15 17 26 73 43 0.17% 0.16% 0.20% 0.49% 0.31%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) x [25] x [26] 1 0 0 x x 0.01% 0.00% 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 0 1 7 13 26 0.00% 0.01% 0.05% 0.09% 0.19%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) x [27] x [28] 100 175 382 x x 0.75% 1.18% 2.73%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 61 295 847 1,306 1,455 0.70% 2.70% 6.36% 8.82% 10.39%
Total 8,761 10,930 13,327 14,799 14,004 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
A map of racial demographics in Hamilton County by Census tract
Legend

2020 ACS estimates

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The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 2.9.[29] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 6.4% of the population.[30]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $38,300 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,178). The median family income was $44,231 (+/- $6,593).[31] Males had a median income of $24,556 (+/- $4,009) versus $22,406 (+/- $1,882) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $23,110 (+/- $2,444).[32] Approximately, 20.3% of families and 25.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.2% of those under the age of 18 and 19.0% of those ages 65 or over.[33][34]

2000 census

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As of the census[35] of 2000, there were 13,327 people, 4,161 households, and 2,995 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile (10 people/km2). There were 4,966 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (3.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 58.79% White, 37.72% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.69% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. 6.36% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,161 households, out of which 32.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.30% were married couples living together, 16.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 10.80% from 18 to 24, 31.80% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 135.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 145.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $25,638, and the median income for a family was $30,677. Males had a median income of $26,999 versus $20,552 for females. The per capita income for the county was $10,562. About 21.70% of families and 26.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.70% of those under age 18 and 16.10% of those age 65 or over.

Education

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Hamilton County School District administrative offices
Hamilton County High School

Hamilton County School District operates public schools in the county. The sole elementary school is Hamilton County Elementary School, and the sole high school is Hamilton County High School.

Hamilton County is served by the Suwannee River Regional Library System, which contains eight branches and also serves Madison and Suwannee counties.

Libraries in Hamilton County include:

  • Jasper
  • Jennings
  • White Springs

Communities

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City

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Towns

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Unincorporated communities

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  • Avoca
  • Bakers Mill
  • Bellville
  • Blue Springs
  • Crossroads
  • Hillcoat
  • Marion
  • Rawls
  • Watson
  • West Lake

Politics

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Voter registration

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United States presidential election results for Hamilton County, Florida[36]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
1904 155 24.53% 455 71.99% 22 3.48%
1908 116 16.38% 452 63.84% 140 19.77%
1912 46 8.26% 405 72.71% 106 19.03%
1916 113 13.92% 675 83.13% 24 2.96%
1920 151 15.91% 706 74.39% 92 9.69%
1924 143 17.40% 619 75.30% 60 7.30%
1928 167 16.83% 741 74.70% 84 8.47%
1932 110 8.65% 1,161 91.35% 0 0.00%
1936 73 4.49% 1,554 95.51% 0 0.00%
1940 185 11.50% 1,424 88.50% 0 0.00%
1944 262 17.92% 1,200 82.08% 0 0.00%
1948 202 12.53% 1,071 66.44% 339 21.03%
1952 658 31.18% 1,452 68.82% 0 0.00%
1956 464 23.71% 1,493 76.29% 0 0.00%
1960 656 33.01% 1,331 66.99% 0 0.00%
1964 1,158 47.07% 1,302 52.93% 0 0.00%
1968 337 12.34% 820 30.03% 1,574 57.63%
1972 1,741 73.34% 626 26.37% 7 0.29%
1976 794 26.91% 2,053 69.57% 104 3.52%
1980 1,301 39.66% 1,923 58.63% 56 1.71%
1984 1,921 57.83% 1,401 42.17% 0 0.00%
1988 2,062 60.72% 1,318 38.81% 16 0.47%
1992 1,402 37.64% 1,622 43.54% 701 18.82%
1996 1,520 41.38% 1,735 47.24% 418 11.38%
2000 2,147 54.14% 1,723 43.44% 96 2.42%
2004 2,792 54.97% 2,260 44.50% 27 0.53%
2008 3,179 56.81% 2,364 42.24% 53 0.95%
2012 3,138 57.90% 2,228 41.11% 54 1.00%
2016 3,443 62.70% 1,904 34.67% 144 2.62%
2020 3,815 65.33% 1,963 33.61% 62 1.06%
2024 3,964 68.92% 1,727 30.02% 61 1.06%

According to the Secretary of State's Office, as of February 28, 2023, Republicans hold a plurality of registered voters in Hamilton County for the first time in over a century. The county has radically shifted from being a Democratic stronghold to becoming a Republican one during the 21st century.

Hamilton County Voter Registration & Party Enrollment as of February 28, 2023[37]
Political Party Total Voters Percentage
Republican 3,305 42.25%
Democratic 3,298 42.16%
Independent 1,108 14.17%
Third Parties 111 1.42%
Total 7,822 100%
Hamilton County Courthouse Annex and Administrative Offices

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Publications of the Florida Historical Society. Florida Historical Society. 1908. p. 31.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 147.
  5. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ "Hamilton County · Florida". Hamilton County · Florida.
  7. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  10. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  12. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  14. ^ "Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  16. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  17. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  18. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  19. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  20. ^ "1980 U.S. Census - General Population Characteristics - Table 16 Total Persons and Spanish Origin Persons by Type of Spanish Origin and Race: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
  21. ^ "1990 U.S. Census - Social and Economic Characteristics - Table 6. Race and Hispanic Origin: 1990" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
  22. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Hamilton County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Hamilton County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Hamilton County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  25. ^ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
  26. ^ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
  27. ^ not an option in the 1980 Census
  28. ^ not an option in the 1990 Census
  29. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  30. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  31. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  32. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  33. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  34. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  35. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  36. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  37. ^ "Voter Registration - By County and Party". Florida Secretary of State. February 28, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hamilton County, Florida.

Government links/Constitutional offices

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Special districts

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Judicial branch

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30°29′N 82°57′W / 30.49°N 82.95°W / 30.49; -82.95

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