Lake County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 210,528. With a Census-estimated population of 290,435 in 2006[1], it is the 23rd fastest-growing county in the United States.[2] Its county seat is Tavares, Florida. Clermont, Florida, located in the southern portion of the county, is the largest city with a population of 22,097, based on 2006 census estimates.[3] Lake County is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,995 km² (1,156 mi²). 2,469 km² (953 mi²) of it is land and 526 km² (203 mi²) of it (17.58%) is water.

Geography

Volusia County, Florida - northeast
Orange County, Florida - east
Seminole County, Florida - east
Osceola County, Florida - southeast
Polk County, Florida - south
Sumter County, Florida - west
Marion County, Florida - northwest Adjacent Counties
As of the census² of 2000, there were 210,528 people, 88,413 households, and 62,507 families residing in the county. The population density was 85/km² (221/mi²). There were 102,830 housing units at an average density of 42/km² (108/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 87.46% White, 8.31% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. 5.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 88,413 households out of which 23.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples living together, 8.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.75.
In the county the population was spread out with 20.30% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.80% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 26.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,903, and the median income for a family was $42,577. Males had a median income of $31,475 versus $23,545 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,199. About 6.90% of families and 9.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.80% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.

Demographics

Communities

Town of Astatula
City of Clermont
City of Eustis
City of Fruitland Park
City of Groveland
Town of Howey-in-the-Hills
Town of Lady Lake
City of Leesburg
City of Mascotte
City of Minneola
Town of Montverde
City of Mount Dora
City of Tavares
City of Umatilla Incorporated

Altoona
Astor
Citrus Ridge
Ferndale
Lake Kathryn
Lake Mack-Forest Hills
Lanier, Florida
Lisbon
Mount Plymouth
Okahumpka
Orange Bend
Paisley
Pine Lakes
Pittman
Silver Lake
Sorrento
The Villages
Yalaha Unincorporated

Government links/Constitutional offices

Lake County School Board
St. Johns River Water Management District
Southwest Florida Water Management District