Indian River County () is a county located in the southeastern and east-central portions of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 159,788. Its seat is Vero Beach. It is Florida's 7th richest county and in 2000 was the 87th richest county in the U.S. by per capita income. Indian River County comprises the Sebastian-Vero Beach, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Port St. Lucie, Florida, Combined Statistical Area. History Prior to 1821 the area of Indian River County was part of the Spanish colony of East Florida. In 1822 this area became part of St. Johns County, and in 1824 it became part of Mosquito County (original name of Orange County). The Second Seminole War was fought in 1835 and from 1838 to 1839. Fort Vinton was built for this purpose near the intersection of present-day Florida State Road 60 and 122nd Avenue. In 1844 the county's portion of Mosquito County became part of newly created St. Lucia County. In 1855 St. Lucia County was renamed Brevard County. In 1905 St. Lucie County was formed from the southern portion of Brevard County; in 1925 Indian River County was formed from the northern portion of St. Lucie County. It was named for the Indian River, which runs through the eastern portion of the county. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (18.5%) is water. Adjacent counties Brevard County - north St. Lucie County - south Okeechobee County - southwest Osceola County - northwest National protected areas Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (part) Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Climate and birds Eight bird species in Indian River County are listed as "highly vulnerable" to climate change: Red-headed woodpecker Gray kingbird Fish crow Brown thrasher Eastern towhee Boat-tailed grackle Snail kite Yellow-throated warbler Demographics As of the 2020 United States census, there were 159,788 people, 60,959 households, and 37,647 families residing in the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 112,947 people, 49,137 households, and 32,725 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 57,902 housing units at an average density of 115 per square mile (44/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 87.43% White, 8.19% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races,