Demographics
The population of Sumter County has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The obvious growth in the northern region of the County, fueled primarily by the phenomenal growth of The Villages® community, is leading to substantial gains in overall population figures, with an estimated 132,985 residents for 2019, according to the latest estimate from the United States Census Bureau. Sumter County boasted an impressive 42.2% growth rate for 2010-2019; making Sumter County one of the fastest growing counties in Florida… again!
Workforce
The Sumter County labor force increased dramatically between 2013-2017, rising 23.4% over the five years. Average annual employment is 2018 across all industries in the county was 29,771 (Jobs EQ). There is a workforce of 509,089 (EMSI, 2019) within a 45 minute drive of Sumter County.
Economic Data
Sumter County, Florida is a leading example of sound and verified fiscal responsibility at the local level. Fitch Ratings for 2020 affirmed Sumter County’s Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds with an AA+ rating. Sumter County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) is also at AA+.
Fitch also reported that less than 400 local tax-supported jurisdictions in the United States qualify for an AA+ rating. This rating reflects the county’s continued growth and diversification and maintenance of robust financial operations.