History
Pinellas County was created in 1911, and was named for the Spanish Punta Pinal ("Point of Pines" or "Piney Point"). The Pinellas Peninsula (which divides Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico) and a small part of the mainland was incorporated into the county.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 921,482 people, 414,968 households, and 243,171 families residing in the county. The population density is 1,271/km² (3,292/mi²). There are 481,573 housing units at an average density of 664/km² (1,720/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 85.85% White, 8.96% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 2.06% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.14% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 4.64% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 414,968 households out of which 22.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.80% are married couples living together, 10.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.40% are non-families. 34.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.17 and the average family size is 2.77.
In the county the population is spread out with 19.30% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 22.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 91.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $37,111, and the median income for a family is $46,925. Males have a median income of $32,264 versus $26,281 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,497. 10.00% of the population and 6.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.90% are under the age of 18 and 8.20% are 65 or older.
Cities and towns