Monticello, Florida

Monticello is located in northern Jefferson County at 30°32′41″N 83°52′02″W.[9] U.S. Route 90 runs through the center of the city as Washington Street, leading east 16 miles (26 km) to Greenville and west 26 miles (42 km) to Tallahassee. U.S. Route 19 passes through the city center on Jefferson Street, leading south 10 miles (16 km) to Capps and north 22 miles (35 km) to Thomasville, Georgia. The two highways meet in the center of Monticello at Courthouse Circle, which surrounds the Jefferson County Courthouse. US-19 leads south from the courthouse 5 miles (8 km) to Interstate 10 at Exit 225. I-10 leads west 25 miles (40 km) to Tallahassee and east 82 miles (132 km) to Lake City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.0 square miles (10.3 km²), all land.[6]

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 2,533 people, 973 households, and 664 families residing in the city. The population density was 749.4 people per square mile (289.3/km²). There were 1,088 housing units at an average density of 321.9 per square mile (124.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 47.06% White, 50.85% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 973 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,720, and the median income for a family was $32,356. Males had a median income of $25,932 versus $21,760 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,522. About 18.5% of families and 22.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 14.4% of those age 65 or over.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Monticello has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[11]

Monticello is the site of the highest temperature recorded in Florida, 109 °F (43 °C) on June 29, 1931.[12]

Monticello is one of the highest and coldest locations in Florida, slightly below Crestview to its West Northwest.

The Perkins Opera House is a 19th century mercantile building that was adapted for use as a theater. It hosts regular musical performances, as well as theater productions and musicals. The first floor ballroom also holds receptions on a regular basis.

• City of Monticello official website