Everglades City, Florida, is a sleepy town that is home to the endangered Florida panther. This area features stilt houses and small cottages, and businesses double as water guides. You will find fishing poles hanging from windows, and few luxury cars. But be warned, Everglades City is not without its high-profile residents. Here are some statistics that may change your perception of the town.
The city has a small population. The city was originally a true island that could only be reached by boat. The town grew to become a county seat when Barron Gift Collier purchased the town from the Storter family in 1922. The city's name, Everglade, had been used before Collier purchased it. In 1923, the city was renamed Everglades and became the county seat of Collier County.
As of the 2000 census, the city's population was 479. In addition to a Native American population, the town is home to Calusa and Glades cultures. The first permanent white settlement in Everglades City was William Smith Allen in 1873, but he left the area in 15 years and left his name on the Allen River. He also built a sugar cane plantation and trading post. His home also housed guests and eventually became the Rod and Gun Club.
In terms of income, the median family and household income were $36,667 and $38,929, respectively. The female householder earned $32,083 and the male householder made $22,222. The median age of the population was 25 years old. The median household size was 2.50. At the time of the census, there were two gas stations in the area. The nearest major city was Miami, 55 miles away.