Chiefland Demographics and Economics

The city literally translates to “land of chiefs” from the Timucua tribes who lived in the area during the pre-Columbian days. The city’s economy has historical ties to agriculture, timber – including turpentine in the 1800’s – and aquaculture. One of the county’s largest commercial hubs, many chain hotels and restaurants are located along US Highway 19, running north to south through town.

Tourism

Nearby attractions are Manatee Springs State Park and Fanning Springs State Park, with combined annual attendance of close to 500,000. The 32-mile Nature Coast Trail also provides recreational opportunities for bicyclists, roller bladders and joggers as it runs from Chiefland to nearby Cross City and Trenton. An equestrian trail also parallels a portion of the Nature Coast Trail.

Industry

Our industry is as diverse as our people, attracted to the area because of the low cost of doing business, high quality of life, close-knit communities and access to recreation and resources. Agriculture and eco-tourism have always been staples of ours, with a large concentration of manufacturing in Williston and a smaller sector in Chiefland.

The top five growing sectors are: accommodation and food services, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, transportation and warehousing, professional, scientific, and technical services. A review of trends, regional assets and other data indicates the strongest manufacturing growth occurring in the areas of food and transportation equipment, followed by chemicals and non-metallic mineral products. There are 353,400 acres of private forest utilized for timber and support services, which has also become a vital industry. Paper manufacturing accounts for approximately $350-million in economic output in the region, with wood products accounting for roughly $75-million.

Locations

The Chiefland Industrial Park offers 16.74 acres of industrial property with direct access to US 19/98 and ease of access to Hwy 27. The property is partially built out with about eight acres remaining for development. Commercial retail/industrial build to suit space is available. Buildings 5,000 square feet or larger can be constructed, with loading docks if needed, and between 15-20 foot ceiling clearance. The site is secured by gate at night.

Training

Several higher education institutions are located in the region. One of the most critical is the College of Central Florida, with campuses in Ocala, Citrus and here in Levy County with a new campus that opened north of Chiefland in the summer of 2017.

Demographics

Population in 2014: 2,206 (0% urban, 100% rural).
Population change since 2000: +10.7%
Males: 992 (45.0%) Females: 1,214 (55.0%)
Median resident age: 40.8 years Florida median age: 42.1 years
Estimated median household income in 2016: $20,368 (it was $17,331 in 2000).
Estimated per capita income in 2016: $14,740 (it was $10,676 in 2000)
Estimated median house or condo value in 2016: $107,028 (it was $50,100 in 2000)
Mean prices in 2016: All housing units: $122,958; Detached houses: $119,021; Mobile homes: $134,351 Median gross rent in 2016: $646.

1,300 - 57.9% White alone
681 - 30.3% Black alone
148 - 6.6% Hispanic
64 - 2.9% Two or more races
38 - 1.7% Asian alone
8 - 0.4% Other race alone
6 - 0.3% American Indian alone

*Demographics Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Chiefland-Florida.html