into Lake Okeechobee in Florida. It is the only remaining free-flowing watercourse feeding into the lake and the second-largest natural source for the lake. Adjacent counties Highlands County, Florida - north Okeechobee County, Florida - northeast Martin County, Florida - east Palm Beach County, Florida - southeast Hendry County, Florida - south Lee County, Florida - southwest Charlotte County, Florida - west DeSoto County, Florida - northwest Climate Demographics As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,126 people, 4,859 households, and 3,247 families residing in the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 10,576 people, 3,852 households, and 2,765 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (5/km2). There were 5,790 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 76.99% White, 10.53% Black or African American, 4.93% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 5.63% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. 15.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. In 2005 the population was 67.0% non-Hispanic white, 17.6% Latino, 10.5% African-American and 4.9% Native American. There were 3,852 households, out of which 25.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.30% were married couples living together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 22.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.91. In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.10% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 18.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.40 males. The median income for a household in the county was $30,774, and the median income for a family was $34,223. Males had a median income of $29,196 versus $20,987 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,338. About 10.70% of families and 15.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.20% of those under age 18 and 11.20% of those age 65 or