Osceola County, Florida
Encyclopedia
Osceola County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Florida
. As of 2000, the population was 172,493. The U.S. Census Bureau
2006 estimate for the county is 244,045, making it the 17th fastest-growing county in the United States. Its county seat
is Kissimmee
.
leader Osceola
, whose name means "Black Drink Cry[Asi Yaholo]."
On July 21, 1821, Florida was divided into two counties, named Escambia County
to the west and St. John's County
to the east. In 1824, the southern part of St. John's County became Mosquito County, with Enterprise
as the county seat
. When Florida became a state in 1845, Mosquito County was renamed Orange County. In 1844, Brevard County
was carved out from Mosquito County. On May 12, 1887, Osceola was named a county, having been created from both Orange and Brevard Counties. Osceola County reached all the way down to Lake Okeechobee
until 1917 when Okeechobee County
was formed.
Since the late 20th century, Osceola County has experienced a significant influx of immigrants from Puerto Rico
, and in the 2000 U.S. Census
Puerto Rican was the largest self-reported ancestry group.
county, and an administrative subdivision of the State of Florida
. Voters approved the County Charter in March 1992, and it took effect on October 1, 1992. The structure of County government under the charter does not depart dramatically from the structure of a County government outlined in the Florida Statutes.
Osceola County Government is governed by three sets of elected
official
s, each of which independently directs separate branches of County Government. These include: the five-member County Commission, five separate Constitutional Officers, and a number of Judicial Officers. Under State law, the County Commission is responsible for funding the budgets of all Osceola County Government, including the independently elected Constitutional Officers and Judicial Officers, as well as the Commission's own departments. Each independent officer has discretion to administer his or her own programs. The County Commission exercises oversight only over its own departments.
of 2000, there were 172,493 people, 60,977 households, and 45,062 families residing in the county. The population density
was 130 people per square mile (50/km²). There were 72,293 housing units at an average density of 55 per square mile (21/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 47.20% Non-Hispanic White
, 10.36% Non-Hispanic Black
or African American
, 0.46% Native American
, 2.20% Asian
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
, 9.06% from other races
, and 3.63% from two or more races. 34.41% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race, majority of which are Puerto Ricans, who account for 25.36% of the population and are the largest ancestral group in the county.
There were 60,977 households out of which 36.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples
living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.10% were non-families. 19.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 31.00% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,214, and the median income for a family was $42,061. Males had a median income of $29,034 versus $21,746 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,022. About 9.10% of families and 11.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.70% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
it would house up to 240,000 residents.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. As of 2000, the population was 172,493. The U.S. Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
2006 estimate for the county is 244,045, making it the 17th fastest-growing county in the United States. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Kissimmee
Kissimmee, Florida
Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 59,682. It is the county seat of Osceola County...
.
History
Osceola County was created in 1887. It was named for the IndianNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
leader Osceola
Osceola
Osceola, also known as Billy Powell , became an influential leader with the Seminole in Florida. He was of Creek, Scots-Irish and English parentage, and had migrated to Florida with his mother after the defeat of the Creek in 1814.Osceola led a small band of warriors in the Seminole resistance...
, whose name means "Black Drink Cry[Asi Yaholo]."
On July 21, 1821, Florida was divided into two counties, named Escambia County
Escambia County, Florida
Escambia County is the westernmost county in the U.S. state of Florida. The 2010 population was 297,619. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 296,772. Its county seat is Pensacola.- History :...
to the west and St. John's County
St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns County is a county located in northeastern Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 190,039. The county seat is St. Augustine. Due to the inclusion of Ponte Vedra Beach, it is one of the highest-income counties in the United States....
to the east. In 1824, the southern part of St. John's County became Mosquito County, with Enterprise
Enterprise, Florida
Enterprise is an unincorporated community in Volusia County, in the U.S. state of Florida, and its former county seat. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Monroe, it is flanked by the cities of DeBary and Deltona. Enterprise was once the head of navigation on the St. Johns River and at various...
as the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
. When Florida became a state in 1845, Mosquito County was renamed Orange County. In 1844, Brevard County
Brevard County, Florida
Brevard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population is 536,521, making it the 10th most populous county in the state. Influenced by the presence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard...
was carved out from Mosquito County. On May 12, 1887, Osceola was named a county, having been created from both Orange and Brevard Counties. Osceola County reached all the way down to Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee , locally referred to as The Lake or The Big O, is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida. It is the seventh largest freshwater lake in the United States and the second largest freshwater lake contained entirely within the lower 48 states...
until 1917 when Okeechobee County
Okeechobee County, Florida
Okeechobee County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 35,910. According to 2005 U.S. Census estimates, its population had grown to 39,836. The county seat is Okeechobee, Florida. The county comprises the Okeechobee, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.-...
was formed.
Since the late 20th century, Osceola County has experienced a significant influx of immigrants from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, and in the 2000 U.S. Census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
Puerto Rican was the largest self-reported ancestry group.
Government
Osceola County is a CharterCharter
A charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
county, and an administrative subdivision of the State of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. Voters approved the County Charter in March 1992, and it took effect on October 1, 1992. The structure of County government under the charter does not depart dramatically from the structure of a County government outlined in the Florida Statutes.
Osceola County Government is governed by three sets of elected
Election
An election is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy operates since the 17th century. Elections may fill offices in the legislature, sometimes in the...
official
Official
An official is someone who holds an office in an organization or government and participates in the exercise of authority .A government official or functionary is an official who is involved in public...
s, each of which independently directs separate branches of County Government. These include: the five-member County Commission, five separate Constitutional Officers, and a number of Judicial Officers. Under State law, the County Commission is responsible for funding the budgets of all Osceola County Government, including the independently elected Constitutional Officers and Judicial Officers, as well as the Commission's own departments. Each independent officer has discretion to administer his or her own programs. The County Commission exercises oversight only over its own departments.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 1506.35 square miles (3,901.4 km²), of which 1321.9 square miles (3,423.7 km²) (or 87.76%) is land and 184.45 square miles (477.7 km²) (or 12.24%) is water.Adjacent Counties
- Orange County, FloridaOrange County, FloridaOrange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
- north - Brevard County, FloridaBrevard County, FloridaBrevard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population is 536,521, making it the 10th most populous county in the state. Influenced by the presence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard...
- northeast - Indian River County, FloridaIndian River County, FloridaIndian River County is a county located in the Treasure Coast region in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 112,947. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 128,594...
- east - Okeechobee County, FloridaOkeechobee County, FloridaOkeechobee County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 35,910. According to 2005 U.S. Census estimates, its population had grown to 39,836. The county seat is Okeechobee, Florida. The county comprises the Okeechobee, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.-...
- southeast - Highlands County, FloridaHighlands County, FloridaHighlands County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the population was 97,346. Its county seat is Sebring, Florida. The county comprises the Sebring, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
- south - Polk County, FloridaPolk County, FloridaPolk County is located in central Florida between the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando metropolitan areas. The county was established by the state government in 1861 on the eve of the American Civil War and named after former United States president James K. Polk. The county seat is Bartow and its...
- west - Lake County, FloridaLake County, FloridaLake County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 210,528. The Census Bureau estimated the population in 2008 to be 307,243. Its county seat is Tavares...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 172,493 people, 60,977 households, and 45,062 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 130 people per square mile (50/km²). There were 72,293 housing units at an average density of 55 per square mile (21/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 47.20% Non-Hispanic White
White people
White people is a term which usually refers to human beings characterized, at least in part, by the light pigmentation of their skin...
, 10.36% Non-Hispanic Black
Black people
The term black people is used in systems of racial classification for humans of a dark skinned phenotype, relative to other racial groups.Different societies apply different criteria regarding who is classified as "black", and often social variables such as class, socio-economic status also plays a...
or African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, 0.46% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.20% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 9.06% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.63% from two or more races. 34.41% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race, majority of which are Puerto Ricans, who account for 25.36% of the population and are the largest ancestral group in the county.
There were 60,977 households out of which 36.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.10% were non-families. 19.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 31.00% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,214, and the median income for a family was $42,061. Males had a median income of $29,034 versus $21,746 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,022. About 9.10% of families and 11.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.70% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
Incorporated
- City of KissimmeeKissimmee, FloridaKissimmee is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 59,682. It is the county seat of Osceola County...
- City of St. CloudSt. Cloud, FloridaSt. Cloud is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. The population was 35,183 at the 2010 census. St. Cloud is closely associated with the adjacent city of Kissimmee and its proximity to Orlando area theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Seaworld.St...
Super suburb
A new super suburb is planned in Osceola County called DestinyDestiny, Florida
Destiny, Florida is a large-scale urban development project in Osceola County near Yeehaw Junction, Florida. The project is a joint partnership between the Pugliese Development Co. of Delray Beach and FD Destiny LLC, owned by Fred DeLuca. It was one of 16 initial projects of “climate positive"...
it would house up to 240,000 residents.
Unincorporated
- Buenaventura LakesBuenaventura Lakes, FloridaBuenaventura Lakes is a census-designated place in northern Osceola County, Florida, United States, near Kissimmee. Its population was 26,079 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Bull CreekBull Creek, FloridaBull Creek, Florida is a small unincorporated community and rural settlement in Osceola County, Florida. It is located approximately east of Holopaw and west of Melbourne.Bull Creek is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- CampbellCampbell, FloridaCampbell is a census-designated place and an unincorporated community in Osceola County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,479 at the 2010 census...
- CelebrationCelebration, FloridaCelebration is a census-designated place and a master-planned community in Osceola County, Florida, United States, located near Walt Disney World Resort and originally developed by The Walt Disney Company...
, originally created by the Walt Disney Company - Deer ParkDeer Park, FloridaDeer Park is an unincorporated community in Osceola County, Florida, United States. It is located off US 192, south of the intersection with County Road 419. The community is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area.-References:...
- HarmonyHarmony, FloridaHarmony is an unincorporated master-planned community near St. Cloud, Florida, United States. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Development:...
- HolopawHolopaw, FloridaHolopaw, Florida is a small unincorporated community in Osceola County, Florida, United States. It is located at the eastern end of the multiplex of highways US 192 and US 441. It has a population of fewer than 5,000 people and is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical...
- KenansvilleKenansville, FloridaKenansville, Florida, USA, is an unincorporated community with a population of just under 1000, a large number of which are over the age of 50, located at the junction of Osceola County Road 523 and U.S. Highway 441 in Osceola County, Florida, just 12 miles north of Yeehaw Junction and 27 miles...
- PoincianaPoinciana, FloridaPoinciana is a census-designated place in Osceola and Polk counties in the U.S. state of Florida. It lies southwest of Kissimmee and about east of Haines City...
- Yeehaw JunctionYeehaw Junction, FloridaYeehaw Junction is a census-designated place in Osceola County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 240...
Special districts
- Reedy Creek Improvement DistrictReedy Creek Improvement DistrictThe Reedy Creek Improvement District is the immediate governing jurisdiction for the land of the Walt Disney World Resort. As of the late 1990s, it comprised an area of within the outer limits of Orange and Osceola counties in Florida...
(special taxing district created for Walt Disney World)
Libraries
- Hart Memorial Central Library
- Veterans Memorial Library, St. Cloud Branch
- Buenaventura Lakes Branch Library
- Poinciana Branch Library
- West Osceola Branch Library
- Kenansville Branch Library
- Narcoossee Library Annex
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Osceola County, FloridaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Osceola County, FloridaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Osceola County, Florida.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Osceola County, Florida, United States...
Government links/Constitutional offices
- Osceola County Government / Board of County Commissioners
- Osceola County Supervisor of Elections
- Osceola County Property Appraiser
- Osceola County Sheriff's Office
- Osceola County Tax Collector
- Kissimmee Utility AuthorityKissimmee Utility AuthorityKissimmee Utility Authority was founded in 1901 and is Florida's sixth largest municipally-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 64,000 customers in Osceola County, Florida. KUA owns and operates the Roy E...
(local power and Internet provider)
Special Districts
- School District of Osceola County
- South Florida Water Management District
- St. Johns River Water Management District
Judicial branch
- Osceola County Clerk of Courts
- Public Defender, 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida serving OrangeOrange County, FloridaOrange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
and Osceola Counties - Circuit and County Court for the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida