Clewiston, FL Demographics 2024

As of 2024, Clewiston, Florida, has a population of approximately 7,548 residents. The demographic breakdown by age is as follows: 4.4% are under 5 years, 19.8% are aged 5-17, 10.2% are aged 18-24, 16.2% are aged 25-34, 27.5% are aged 35-54, 8.2% are aged 55-64, and 13.8% are over 65 years old.

Regarding education, 71.5% of adults in Clewiston are high school graduates, and 10.0% have graduated from college. The per capita income in Clewiston is $22,739, which is lower than the national average. The median household income stands at $41,125.

Regarding language, 50.34% of residents speak only English, while 49.66% speak other languages. The most prevalent non-English language is Spanish, spoken by 47.4% of the population.

The poverty rate in Clewiston is notable, with 21.13% of the population living below the poverty level. The racial group most likely to be in poverty is Hispanics, with a 27.39% poverty rate, while the group with the lowest poverty rate is those identifying with multiple races, at 0.38%.

Clewiston’s race and ethnic diversity consists mainly of Hispanic or Latino individuals, followed by White, Black or African American, and Asian residents.

Clewiston, FL Neighborhoods

In Clewiston, Florida, some of the notable neighborhoods or areas are as follows:

1. Clewiston Southwest
2. City Center
3. Sugarton
4. Montura / Whidden Corner
5. Harlem

These neighborhoods are identified as the most expensive in Clewiston. The city has a mix of different demographic groups, with a significant portion of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The area is known for its ethnic diversity and has a substantial number of residents born outside the United States. The most common languages spoken in Clewiston are English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Clewiston, FL History

Clewiston, Florida, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally, the area was a popular hunting and fishing destination for wealthy tourists. The significant development in Clewiston began in 1920 when the Southern Sugar Company bought land in the region and started growing sugar cane. This crop quickly became the dominant agricultural product in the area.

To support the burgeoning sugar industry, a sugar mill and a railroad system were built for transporting the harvested crops. The town of Clewiston was founded in 1925 primarily to provide housing and services for the workers of this growing industry.

In the 1930s, the Southern Sugar Company was purchased by Charles Stewart Mott, leading to the establishment of the U.S. Sugar Corporation. This further solidified the sugar industry’s presence in Clewiston, and the town continued to develop as a significant sugar cane cultivation and refining center.

Clewiston earned the nickname “America’s Sweetest Town” for its significant role in the sugar industry. Despite this strong association with sugar production, the city’s economy has diversified. Clewiston is home to several large corporations, including U.S. Sugar, Southern Gardens Citrus, and the Okeelanta Corporation.

Tourism has also become an essential part of the local economy. The city’s location on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, makes it an attractive destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.