Calhoun County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 30°25′N85°12′W / 30.41°N 85.2°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Florida |
Founded | January 26, 1838 |
Named for | John C. Calhoun |
Seat | Blountstown |
Largest city | Blountstown |
Area | |
• Total | 574 sq mi (1,490 km2) |
• Land | 567 sq mi (1,470 km2) |
• Water | 7.0 sq mi (18 km2) 1.22 % |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 13,648 [1] |
• Density | 25.5/sq mi (9.8/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | calhouncountygov |
Calhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,648, [2] making it the fifth-least populous county in Florida. Its county seat is Blountstown. [3]
Calhoun County was created in 1838. It was named for John C. Calhoun, member of the United States Senate from South Carolina and the seventh U.S. vice president, serving under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. [4] The county was originally located between St. Joseph Bay and the Apalachicola River, with the county seat at St. Joseph (which was abandoned by 1844 due to a yellow fever epidemic and hurricanes). [5]
In the late 1850s, there was a violent feud between the local Durden family and another anti-Durden group. This feud escalated and there was a breakdown of the law, with roaming gangs and a "pitched battle" at the courthouse square in Blountstown. The violence got so bad that the county judge had to call in aid from the Fifth Florida Militia Regiment, which deployed 150 militiamen to breakup the outlaw bands. [6]
The relative lawlessness continued during the American Civil War when armed gangs gathered in the country side and avoided conscription by the Confederacy. These groups were in contact with and armed by the Federal blockade and even concocted a plan to kidnap the Confederate Governor Milton. Milton caught word of the plot and avoided capture. [7]
The county was later expanded to the north with territory from Jackson and Washington counties. In 1913, part of Calhoun County was transferred to the new Bay County. In 1925, the southern part of Calhoun County was separated as the new Gulf County, which included the territory that had formed the original Calhoun County. [8]
In 1930, a federal employee shot the County Sheriff over a dispute of unknown origin. [9]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 574 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 567 square miles (1,470 km2) is land and 7.0 square miles (18 km2) (1.2%) is water. [10] The county is bounded on the east by the Apalachicola River and is bisected by the Chipola River, site of Look and Tremble.
Among the unincorporated settlements are Broad Branch, Chipola, Clarksville, Chason, Durham, Fisher Corner, Flowers Still, Henderson Mill, Kinard, Leonards, New Hope, Rollins Corner, Selman, Sharptown, Summerville, and Willis. [11] [12]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 1,142 | — | |
1850 | 1,377 | 20.6% | |
1860 | 1,446 | 5.0% | |
1870 | 998 | −31.0% | |
1880 | 1,580 | 58.3% | |
1890 | 1,681 | 6.4% | |
1900 | 5,132 | 205.3% | |
1910 | 7,465 | 45.5% | |
1920 | 8,775 | 17.5% | |
1930 | 7,298 | −16.8% | |
1940 | 8,218 | 12.6% | |
1950 | 7,922 | −3.6% | |
1960 | 7,422 | −6.3% | |
1970 | 7,624 | 2.7% | |
1980 | 9,294 | 21.9% | |
1990 | 11,011 | 18.5% | |
2000 | 13,017 | 18.2% | |
2010 | 14,625 | 12.4% | |
2020 | 13,648 | −6.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 13,470 | [13] | −1.3% |
U.S. Decennial Census [14] 1790–1960 [15] 1900–1990 [16] 1990–2000 [17] 2010–2015 [18] 2020 [2] |
Race | Pop 2010 [20] | Pop 2020 [21] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|
White (NH) | 11,357 | 10,490 | 77.65% | 76.86% |
Black or African American (NH) | 1,991 | 1,668 | 13.61% | 12.22% |
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 144 | 93 | 0.98% | 0.68% |
Asian (NH) | 71 | 46 | 0.49% | 0.34% |
Pacific Islander (NH) | 8 | 0 | 0.05% | 0.0% |
Some Other Race (NH) | 6 | 10 | 0.04% | 0.07% |
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 293 | 719 | 2.0% | 5.27% |
Hispanic or Latino | 755 | 622 | 5.16% | 4.56% |
Total | 14,625 | 13,648 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,648 people, 4,510 households, and 2,753 families residing in the county.
As of the census [22] of 2000, there were 13,017 people, 4,468 households, and 3,132 families residing in the county. The population density was 23 people per square mile (8.9 people/km2). There were 5,250 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (3.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 79.87% White, 15.79% Black or African American, 1.26% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. 3.78% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 4,468 households, out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.30% were married couples living together, 13.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.20% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 31.50% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 117.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $26,575, and the median income for a family was $32,848. Males had a median income of $26,681 versus $21,176 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,379. About 14.80% of families and 20.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.60% of those under age 18 and 20.40% of those age 65 or over.
Calhoun County is not served by any Interstate or U.S. Highways; the nearest access to the Interstate Highway System is Interstate 10 in Sneads in neighboring Jackson County and to the U.S. Highway System is U.S. Route 231 in northeastern Bay County.
According to the Secretary of State's office, Republicans hold a narrow majority among registered voters in Calhoun County as of 2022. However, Democrats held a sizable majority of registered voters as recently as 2017.
Calhoun County Voter Registration & Party Enrollment as of March 31, 2022 [23] | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Political Party | Total Voters | Percentage | |||
Republican | 3,655 | 44.79% | |||
Democratic | 3,500 | 42.89% | |||
Independent | 955 | 11.70% | |||
Third Parties | 50 | 0.61% | |||
Total | 8,160 | 100% |
Like most of the Florida Panhandle, Calhoun County votes heavily Republican in presidential and congressional races yet still occasionally supports conservative Democrats in local and state contests.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 5,274 | 80.68% | 1,209 | 18.49% | 54 | 0.83% |
2016 | 4,655 | 75.96% | 1,241 | 20.25% | 232 | 3.79% |
2012 | 4,366 | 70.61% | 1,664 | 26.91% | 153 | 2.47% |
2008 | 4,345 | 69.36% | 1,821 | 29.07% | 98 | 1.56% |
2004 | 3,782 | 63.42% | 2,116 | 35.49% | 65 | 1.09% |
2000 | 2,873 | 55.52% | 2,156 | 41.66% | 146 | 2.82% |
1996 | 1,717 | 41.29% | 1,794 | 43.15% | 647 | 15.56% |
1992 | 1,721 | 37.58% | 1,665 | 36.36% | 1,193 | 26.05% |
1988 | 2,422 | 64.01% | 1,329 | 35.12% | 33 | 0.87% |
1984 | 2,493 | 65.48% | 1,312 | 34.46% | 2 | 0.05% |
1980 | 1,504 | 38.72% | 2,300 | 59.22% | 80 | 2.06% |
1976 | 1,153 | 31.26% | 2,487 | 67.42% | 49 | 1.33% |
1972 | 2,069 | 81.68% | 461 | 18.20% | 3 | 0.12% |
1968 | 356 | 11.38% | 398 | 12.72% | 2,375 | 75.90% |
1964 | 1,793 | 64.66% | 980 | 35.34% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 634 | 28.46% | 1,594 | 71.54% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 554 | 24.57% | 1,701 | 75.43% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 590 | 24.41% | 1,827 | 75.59% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 128 | 7.13% | 1,404 | 78.26% | 262 | 14.60% |
1944 | 207 | 12.10% | 1,504 | 87.90% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 171 | 9.03% | 1,722 | 90.97% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 181 | 14.79% | 1,043 | 85.21% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 129 | 8.84% | 1,331 | 91.16% | 0 | 0.00% |
1928 | 409 | 35.02% | 727 | 62.24% | 32 | 2.74% |
1924 | 56 | 10.79% | 406 | 78.23% | 57 | 10.98% |
1920 | 99 | 9.02% | 861 | 78.42% | 138 | 12.57% |
1916 | 209 | 24.85% | 539 | 64.09% | 93 | 11.06% |
1912 | 67 | 10.15% | 332 | 50.30% | 261 | 39.55% |
1908 | 339 | 49.56% | 241 | 35.23% | 104 | 15.20% |
1904 | 160 | 40.30% | 162 | 40.81% | 75 | 18.89% |
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | 77.59%3,576 | 20.03% 923 | 2.39% 110 |
2014 | 63.91%2,676 | 28.71% 1,202 | 7.38% 309 |
2010 | 51.23%2,201 | 43.18% 1,855 | 5.59% 240 |
2006 | 50.79%1,737 | 45.70% 1,563 | 3.51% 120 |
2002 | 45.10% 1,917 | 53.49%2,274 | 1.41% 60 |
1998 | 60.13%1,796 | 39.87% 1,191 | |
1994 | 49.50% 1,775 | 50.50%1,811 |
Calhoun County School District operates public schools. Its two senior high schools are Blountstown High School and Altha Public School.
Along with the six branches within the Calhoun County Public Library System, Calhoun County is also a part of the Panhandle Public Library Cooperative System. PPLCS also includes Holmes and Jackson counties. Branches are located in the following communities and offer public computers with internet access, free wi-fi, programming for all ages, downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks, and numerous online databases and resources.
Bay County is a county on the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 175,216. Its county seat is Panama City.
Gadsden County is a county located in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 43,826. Its county seat is Quincy. Gadsden County is included in the Tallahassee, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Gadsden County is the only majority African-American county in Florida.
Gulf County is a county located in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,192. Its county seat is Port St. Joe.
Holmes County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Florida, in the Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,653. Its county seat is Bonifay.
Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, on its northwestern border with Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 47,319. Its county seat is Marianna.
Liberty County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,974, making it the least populous county in Florida. Its county seat is Bristol. Liberty County is the only dry county in Florida. Lafayette County prohibits bars, but not retail sale of beer.
Osceola County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 388,656. Its county seat is Kissimmee. Osceola County is included in the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Fla. Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Washington County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Florida, in the Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,318. Its county seat is Chipley. Washington County is included in the Panama City—Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Jackson County is a county in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census its population was 14,988. Its county seat is Edna. The county was created in 1835 as a municipality in Mexico and in 1836 was organized as a county. It is named for Andrew Jackson, President of the United States from 1829 to 1837.
Calhoun County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 134,310. The county seat is Marshall. The county was established on October 19, 1829, and named after John C. Calhoun, who was at the time Vice President under Andrew Jackson, making it one of Michigan's Cabinet counties. County government was first organized on March 6, 1833. Calhoun County comprises the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek-Portage Combined Statistical Area.
Altha is a small town in Calhoun County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 496 at the 2020 census, a decrease from 536 at the 2010 census.
Blountstown is a city and the county seat of Calhoun County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 2,266.
Wewahitchka is a city in Gulf County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,074 as of the 2020 census. From the creation of Gulf County in 1925 until 1965, it served as the county seat before the county seat was moved to Port St. Joe. The city took its name from a Native American word meaning "water eyes". Two lakes along the edge of town look like a perfect pair of eyes.
Marianna is a city in and the county seat of Jackson County, Florida, United States, and it is home to Chipola College. The official nickname of Marianna is "The City of Southern Charm". The population was 6,245 at the 2020 census.
Bristol is a city in and the county seat of Liberty County, Florida, United States. It is the only incorporated city in Liberty County. The population was 918 at the 2020 census.
Kendall West is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, Florida, west of the Florida Turnpike. It is located in the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida. The population was 36,536 at the 2020 census.
St. Matthews is a town in Calhoun County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,021 at the 2010 census, a decline from 2,107 in 2000. It is the county seat of Calhoun County.
Chason is a small unincorporated community in northwest Calhoun County, Florida, United States.
State Road 71 is a highway in western Florida that runs 95.4 miles (153.5 km) from the Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, through the panhandle of Florida to the Alabama border.