Citrus County

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Citrus County had a 2020 estimated population of 150,000 living in roughly 64,000 households. The population is spread evenly across Citrus County’s 773 square miles.  Click here for 2020 population grouped by zip code.   Most of Citrus County’s population lives within 15 miles of Black Diamond Ranch (click for map).  People age 65 and older make up 37% of the population. Adults under 65 represent 49%.  Children account for the final 15% of the population.   Click here for the numbers.

Income

15% of all Citrus County residents (or 22,800 people) live in poverty as defined by the federal government.  The 2022 poverty threshold is $27,750 for a family of two adults and two children.  27% of Citrus County children age 0 to 17 (or 6,000) live in poverty. 

The United Way, in their 2018 Florida ALICE Report, estimated the necessary income to cover an individual’s or family’s minimum living expenses for 2016.  For a family of four, the “ALICE” threshhold was $55,162.  The report then estimated that 50% of the households in Citrus County do not have enough income to meet the ALICE expense projection for their family.  Thus, in addition to the 14% in poverty, another 36% of Citrus County’s residents are living paycheck to paycheck.  These households often have to choose between paying their utilities, buying food or filling prescriptions. They are one car repair bill or hospitalization away from financial disaster. 

Food

Families with insufficient incomes, often run out of food before their next paycheck.  72% of children enrolled in the Citrus County Public School System receive free or reduced price meals. A network of charities has evolved in Citrus County to help put food on the table and help feed children on weekends and during summer break from school. A portion of Black Diamond Foundation’s funding helps this network to operate.  Click here for more details.

Family Support and Shelter

Several local charities provide assistance to individuals and families ranging from those that need a little help to keep their heads above water all the way to some that need a total rehabilitation of their life.  Black Diamond Foundation supports these life saving organizations.  Learn more about them.

Education

87% of individuals age 25 and older have a high school diploma in Citrus County.  18% have a college degree.  Citrus County's public school system and the many support organizations work hard to overcome the disadvantages incurred by one - quarter of the students living in poverty.  Read about these support organizations. 

Health

Despite the availability of Obamacare, 15% of Citrus County residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance.  Among the adult population, 24% are obese, 10% have been diagnosed with diabetes, 18% either smoke or vape and 38% have not seen a dentist in the past year.  Within the teenage population, the incidence of cigarette use, vaping, alcohol and illicit drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease are higher among Citrus County youth than statewide averages.  See what local organizations are doing.

About Our Citrus County Charitable Organizations

 "I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”

President George H.W. Bush – January 20, 1989