2020 Census: Bad news for Jackson County

 Adult Population Drop Worst in Northwest Florida

Jackson County lost more than adults over the age of eighteen in the last decade than any county in Florida west of Tallahassee.

The United States Census Bureau released its final 2020 estimates for counties across the nation on August 12, 2021. The numbers for the area still recovering from Hurricane Michael are remarkably good in some counties, worse than expected in others.

Jackson County led the region in adult population loss. In 2020, census workers found 1,568 fewer adults over the age of 18 living in the county versus 2010. As might be expected, the population under the age of 18 also fell - by 859 residents - but drops in numbers of children were common across the region. The county's total population decline between 2010 and 2020 was 2,417.

While some of the population loss in Jackson County is certainly tied to Hurricane Michael, the majority of it was predicted in 2008 before the storm devastated the region (See Economic Chaos Strikes Jackson County).

Among counties in the primary Hurricane Michael strike zone, only Gulf County where the category five storm made landfall experienced an adult population loss close to that suffered by Jackson. Gulf County's 18+ population loss was 1,468. The decline in the 18 and under population there, however, was much smaller, with Gulf County losing 203 younger residents.

Gadsden County actually led the counties west of Tallahassee in total population decline, but much of its drop was due to fewer children in 2020 versus 2010. Gadsden's 18+ population declined by 567 people. Its 18 and under population declined by 1,996. The county's overall population drop was 2,563.

Calhoun County, also impacted heavily by Hurricane Michael, likewise saw its population decline. Calhoun's 18+ numbers were down by 577. The county's 18 and under population dropped by 407.

Liberty County's 18+ population dropped by 81, while the county's 18 and under total declined by 310. Holmes County also saw a small decline, with its 18+ population dropping by 37 and its 18 and under number falling by 227.

Bay County (Panama City/Panama City Beach), which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael in its eastern areas, led growth in the region, closely followed by Houston County, Alabama (Dothan).

Bay County reported an 18+ population growth of 7,883, but an 18 and under decline of 1,519, for a total increase of 6,364 people.

Dothan and Houston County saw an 18+ increase of 6,025 people, with 18 and under decrease of 370. The total population increase there was 5,655. 

Other counties in the area with growing populations were:

• Decatur County (Bainbridge), Georgia - 1,525 total increase.
• Franklin County (Apalachicola), Florida - 902 total increase.
• Washington County (Chipley), Florida - 422 total increase.
• Seminole County (Donalsonville), Georgia - 417 total increase.

Life begins anew at Florida Caverns State Park

Tree planting underway at Florida Caverns State Park!
Photos courtesy of Billy Bailey.

by Dale Cox with thanks to Billy Bailey!

Hurricane Michael inflicted destruction on Florida Caverns State Park that will be evident for more than one century to come.

The winds toppled old-growth trees, leveling the park's treasured natural forests.

Life, however, is taking root once again at the Marianna, Florida, landmark. The Friends of Florida Caverns State Park partnered with Florida Caverns State Park volunteers, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, and Hurricane Michael Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to plant trees. The seedlings begin the process of regrowing the natural forests of the park, restoring them for present and future generations.

The replanting project was the result of donations from local
businesses and the help of multiple community organizations!

The trees include eastern red cedars, tulip poplars, fringe trees, and spruce pines. All of the varieties are native to the park and important to its natural communities. They were donated by Southern Craft Creamery, Cindale Farms, and the Chipola Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

The planting was coordinated and supervised by Ranger Frank Strickland, a 35-year veteran of the Florida Park Service. He has been planting trees in the area since the early 1980s.

Tree planting on February 16, 2020.

The second of two workdays took place on Tuesday, February 18, with over one hundred trees replanted for park visitors and its wildlife to enjoy for decades, perhaps even centuries, to come.

Florida Caverns State Park is open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days per year. Some areas of the park remain closed due to damage from the hurricane, and the cave tours are temporarily closed this week due to flooding but will resume soon.

The park is at 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida. Please click here for more information.

For a unique perspective of the cave tours as done by flashlight after Hurricane Michael destroyed electrical systems, please enjoy this free video from Two Egg TV: