
Gilchrist County, Florida Demographics
Gilchrist County is a county located in the north-central part of the state of Florida. It has a population of 17,082 people, according to the 2010 census. The county seat and largest city are Trenton, which is also home to the Gilchrist County Courthouse. Gilchrist County is part of the Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The terrain of Gilchrist County is mostly flat with some rolling hills and scattered swamps and ponds. According to ITYPEUSA.COM, the climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of nearly 50 inches (1,270 mm). Summers are usually hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry. The coolest month on average is January, when temperatures range from 42-64 degrees Fahrenheit (6-18 degrees Celsius).
The population of Gilchrist County consists mainly of white Americans, making up almost 90% of the population according to 2011 estimates. African Americans constitute around 5% while Hispanics make up around 3%. Other racial groups include Asians (1%) and Native Americans (0.3%). Most residents are Protestant Christians; around 28% identify as Baptists while 19% identify as Methodists. Other religions practiced in Gilchrist County include Catholicism (5%), Judaism (2%), Islam (1%), Hinduism (0.3%) and Buddhism (0.2%).
There are several major highways running through Gilchrist County including US Highway 129 which runs north-south through Trenton; State Road 26 which runs east-west through Bell; Florida State Road 47 which runs south from Fanning Springs; Florida State Road 339 which runs east from Bell; and US Highway 27 which runs south from High Springs to Fanning Springs before turning east into Georgia near White Springs.
Gilchrist County offers many recreational opportunities for visitors including camping at Ichetucknee Springs State Park or fishing in one of its many rivers or lakes such as Hart Lake or Santa Fe Lake. There are also several golf courses available for golf enthusiasts such as Chiefland Golf & Country Club or Pine Grove Golf Course near Trenton. Additionally, there are plenty of hiking trails for those who wish to explore nature at places like Manatee Springs State Park or Devil’s Den Nature Preserve near High Springs where visitors can observe manatees swimming in their natural habitat.
Economy of Gilchrist County, Florida
The economy of Gilchrist County, Florida is largely agricultural, with some minor manufacturing and tourism activity. Agriculture, including forestry and timber production, accounts for approximately one-third of the county’s total economic output. Livestock production is the major agricultural activity in the county, while other important agricultural products include hay, corn, vegetables, and fruits. The county also has a thriving timber industry which provides jobs to many residents.
Manufacturing is a relatively small sector in Gilchrist County but still contributes significantly to its economy. Major manufacturers in the county include Suwannee River Pulp & Paper Company which produces paper products; Fanning Springs Manufacturing Company which produces plastic products; and Trenton Manufacturing Company which specializes in wood furniture production.
Tourism is another important component of the Gilchrist County economy. The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a popular destination for visitors who come to enjoy swimming and tubing in the clear springs or canoeing downriver. Other attractions include Manatee Springs State Park where visitors can observe manatees swimming in their natural habitat; Devil’s Den Nature Preserve near High Springs; and Hart Lake where visitors can fish for bass or catfish.
In addition to these industries, there are several small businesses located throughout Gilchrist County that provide local jobs and services to its residents. These businesses range from retail stores such as supermarkets, clothing stores, hardware stores, etc.; restaurants; professional services such as lawyers or doctors; construction firms; auto repair shops; gas stations; hotels/motels; banks/financial institutions; real estate offices; etc.
Gilchrist County’s economy has been growing steadily since 2000 due to an increase in both population and employment opportunities across all sectors of its economy. With its abundance of recreational activities and scenic beauty, it has become an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world looking to experience nature up close while enjoying a relaxing vacation getaway.
Libraries in Gilchrist County, Florida
According to babyinger, Gilchrist County, Florida is home to an impressive array of public libraries that serve the needs of its residents. Located in small towns and rural areas throughout the county, these libraries provide access to a wide range of books, periodicals, and other materials to help meet the educational and recreational needs of local citizens.
The Trenton Public Library is located in downtown Trenton and serves as the main library for Gilchrist County. It houses a collection of over 60,000 books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, and other materials for patrons to borrow or use on-site. The library also offers a variety of programs such as story times for young children; computer classes; lectures; book clubs; and other activities for adults.
The Bell Public Library is located in Bell near the Suwannee River. It houses a collection of over 20,000 books and periodicals that cover a variety of topics from history to science fiction. The library also offers free internet access and computer classes for those interested in learning more about technology. In addition to its regular services, the Bell Public Library hosts special events throughout the year such as movie nights and craft classes which are open to all members of the community.
The Fanning Springs Community Library is located near Fanning Springs State Park and serves as a branch library for Gilchrist County residents living in that area. This library has a collection of over 10,000 books covering topics such as history, science fiction, biographies, non-fiction works and more. It also has free internet access along with computer classes available for those who need assistance with technology related issues or who want to learn more about computers in general.
The Cross City Public Library is located in Cross City near Otter Springs Park & Campground. It has an extensive collection of over 30 thousand books covering topics from art to literature to science fiction among others. In addition to its regular services such as book loans or internet access it also provides various programs including story time sessions for young children; adult literacy classes; computer courses; book clubs; sewing classes; chess tournaments etc., all open to members of the community at no cost whatsoever.
Gilchrist County’s public libraries provide an invaluable service by providing access to educational resources as well as recreational activities for local residents regardless of their age or socio-economic background – making them an integral part of this vibrant community.
Landmarks in Gilchrist County, Florida
Gilchrist County, Florida is a beautiful place with plenty of natural and man-made landmarks to explore. Situated in the heart of North Central Florida, the county is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear springs. Here visitors can find a variety of unique attractions that are sure to make their stay memorable.
The Suwannee River is one of the most iconic landmarks in Gilchrist County. This majestic river runs through the county from its source near White Springs to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. Along its banks visitors can find many parks and campgrounds where they can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and more. The Suwannee River also offers kayaking opportunities for those looking for an adventurous experience.
Otter Springs Park & Campground is another popular landmark in Gilchrist County. Located near Cross City, this park offers plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming pools. It also has a playground area perfect for kids as well as picnic tables and pavilions ideal for family gatherings or group outings.
Fanning Springs State Park is another great place to visit while in Gilchrist County. This park features several hiking trails that wind through lush forests and open meadows filled with native wildlife such as deer and turkey vultures. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the spring-fed water which stays at a constant 72 degrees year-round. In addition to being an excellent spot for outdoor recreation it’s also home to some historical sites such as an old Spanish mission which was once part of a large cattle ranching operation during the early 19th century.
The Bell Public Library is another great attraction in Gilchrist County that’s worth visiting during your stay here. This library houses over 20 thousand books covering topics from history to science fiction as well as offering free internet access along with computer classes available for those interested in learning more about technology related issues or who want to learn more about computers in general. The library also hosts special events throughout the year such as movie nights and craft classes which are open to all members of the community at no cost whatsoever.
There are many other attractions worth visiting while you’re here including Manatee Springs State Park located near Trenton where visitors can view manatees up close; Hart Springs Park & Campground which offers kayaking opportunities on the Santa Fe River; Ginnie Springs Outdoors where visitors can explore underwater caves; Fanning Bayou Wildlife Management Area perfect for bird watching; Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge ideal for nature lovers; and many more.
Gilchrist County has something special waiting around every corner – from historic sites and natural wonders to modern amenities like public libraries – making it an ideal destination both for locals looking for something exciting nearby or travelers wanting to explore all that North Central Florida has to offer.