Clermont, Florida

Geography

Clermont is at 28°32′51″N 81°44′58″W (28.547584, -81.749519).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.5 square miles (30 km²), of which 10.5 square miles (27 km²) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²) (8.54%) is water.

The Clermont area lies on the northern part of the Lake Wales Ridge. There are rolling hills atypical of the Florida peninsula. Nearby are the Clermont Chain of lakes and Lake Apopka.

Climate

The annual average variations of various measurements are:

Rainfall 36.6 to 51.2 inches (930 to 1,300 mm); Snowfall is zero; 25.2 Precipitation Days 101 to 107; Sunny Days 205 to 236; Avg. July High 86.5 to 91.7 °F (30.3 to 33.2 °C); Avg. Jan. Low 20.8 to 48.8 °F (−6.2 to 9.3 °C); Comfort Index (higher=better) 28 to 44; UV Index from 4.3 to 6.3; Elevation 116 to 307 feet (35 to 94 m).

The town gets 51 inches (1,300 mm) of rain per year, more than the US average of 37 inches (940 mm).

On average, there are 236 sunny days per year. The July high is around 92 °F (33 °C). The January low is 49. The comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 28 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable.

History

Clermont was founded in 1884 and named for the French birthplace of the manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, A.F. Wrotniski. The city was incorporated in 1916.

The historic downtown district appearance has not changed much since 1962.

Growth

The population grew 207% growth from 2000–2010, with commensurate economic growth, attracting big box retail stores. In spring 2010, the Clermont Landings shopping center opened with 20 shops and restaurants and the city's first cinema. The increased pollution has affected the city's lakes and other natural resources.

Places

Waterfront Park is located along Lake Minneola, The park includes picnic areas, a swimming area, fishing piers and a playground. There are rentals of paddleboards, kayaks and bicycles. A fitness trail that is part of a 30-mile system runs through the park.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 28,742 people residing in the city in 11,216 households. The population density in 2000 was 812/mi² (314/km²). There were 12,730 housing units. In 2000 the average density of Clermont 380/mi² (147/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 71.69% White, 14.41% African American, 0.42% Native American, 4.19% Asian, 5.37% from other races, and 3.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.75% of the population.

21.28% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was distributed with 20.1% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

Religion

In 2010, 39.6% of the population identified with a religion. 12.7% were Baptist, 9.1% were Catholic, Methodist 3.6%, Pentecostal 2.4%, Presbyterian 2.1%, Lutheran 1.4%, Other Christian 4.1%, Others were under 1%.

Education

Local education establishments for Clermont include Minneola Elementary School, South Lake Charter Elementary (also known as Imagine Schools at South Lake), Cypress Ridge Elementary School, Lost Lake Elementary, Clermont Elementary School, Clermont Middle School, Windy Hill Middle School, East Ridge Middle School, Lake Minneola High School, East Ridge High School, South Lake High School, Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Pine Ridge Elementary,and, Grassy Lake Elementary.

Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida have a joint-use campus in Clermont.

Personal income

The median income for a household in the city was $39,290, and the median income for a family was $48,216. Males had a median income of $36,240 versus $26,571 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,099. About 6.3% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

The income per capita is $24,952, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $45,980.

Occupations

Population by occupation:

The unemployment rate in Clermont was 10.30%, with a job growth of -3.40%.

The Clermont sales tax rate is 7.00%.

Hospital

South Lake Hospital is the regional hospital of south Lake County.

Housing

The city is essentially residential in character. The median home value in town is $227,510. Home appreciation was -21.40% during 2009.

Renters made up 23.21% of the population. 8.33% of houses and apartments were unoccupied (vacancy rate).

Notable people

Transportation

The main roads through Clermont consist of State Road 50 and U.S. Route 27.