Bartow, Florida

Bartow is a city located in the U.S. State of Florida located in Central Florida east of the Tampa Bay area. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 15,340. It is the county seat of Polk County{{GR|6}}.

People and Culture

Demographics

As of the census{{GR|2}} of 2000, there are 15,340 people, 5,531 households, and 3,777 families residing in the city. The population density is 527.4/km² (1,366.5/mi²). There are 6,099 housing units at an average density of 209.7/km² (543.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 65.91% White, 28.39% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 2.22% from other races, and 2.03% from two or more races. 8.11% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Related Topics:
Census - 2000 - Population density - White - African American - Native American - Asian - Pacific Islander - Other races - Hispanic - Latino

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There are 5,531 households out of which 29.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% are married couples living together, 16.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.02.

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In the city the population is spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.4 males.

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The median income for a household in the city is $38,568, and the median income for a family is $44,093. Males have a median income of $31,716 versus $21,309 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,487. 13.1% of the population and 9.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.7% of those under the age of 18 and 9.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Related Topics:
Per capita income - Poverty line

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Historic Buildings and Landmarks

• Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church- 205 East Stanford Street. Built in 1926;Neogothic styling. One of the largest church buildings in Bartow.
• Conant House- 1010 South Broadway. Example of Colonial revival style.
• First Methodist Church- 310 South Broadway. Build in 1907, this is a fine example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. One of the first two churches in Bartow.
• Hugh Wear House- 310 South Orange Avenue. Built in 1889, but burned to the ground in the 1990s.
• Redeemer Lutheran Church - 390 East Parker Street. Gothic Revival architecture with a cross-shaped floor plan.
• (built as Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, transferred ownership when the Episcopal parish outgrew it and built a new sanctuary)
• South Florida Military Academy- 1140 South Broadway. This school was eventually amalgamated into the University of Florida.
• Stuart Hotel- 145-195 South Central Avenue. Three-story brick building built in 1914.
• Swearingen-Langford House- 690 East Church Street (in Church Street Historic District). Neoclassical brick home built in 1925; location for a movie and several commercials.
• Thomas Lee Wilson House- 555 East Stanford Street. Was used as the Funeral Parlor in the movie My Girl.
• Windsweep- 935 South Oak Avenue. Built in 1909, this house was the residence used in the movie China Moon.
• The Wonder House- 1075 Mann Road. Features natural air-conditioning (using rainwater), secluded outdoor bathtubs, and numerous mirrors.

Annual Events

Neighborhoods

Media

The city has a semi-weekly newspaper the Polk County Democrat, which in spite of its name, is actually a fairly conservative newspaper in its editorial content. The Ledger, which is based in Lakeland, is the most common newspaper in Bartow. While there are no television stations located in Bartow, most cable and satellite providers offer all the Tampa Bay and Orlando area stations. There are two radio stations that broadcast from within the city, WBAR (1460 AM) and WWBF (1130 AM).

Related Topics:
Polk County Democrat - The Ledger

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Attractions in Nearby Cities