Gulf County

Gulf County, FL – Key Demographics (latest available data, U.S. Census Bureau 2022 estimates):

• Population: 14,903

• Age Distribution:

  • Median age: 46.4 years
  • Under 18: 17.2%
  • 65 and over: 25.6%

• Gender:

  • Male: 54.2%
  • Female: 45.8%

• Racial/Ethnic Composition:

  • White (non-Hispanic): 79.1%
  • Black or African American (non-Hispanic): 13.4%
  • Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 4.0%
  • Two or More Races: 2.9%
  • Other (including Asian, Native American): <1%

• Households:

  • Total households: 5,987
  • Average household size: 2.40
  • Families: 3,918
  • Owner-occupied housing rate: 81.6%

These figures highlight an older median age, a slightly higher male population, and predominantly White racial makeup, with a strong prevalence of owner-occupied households.

In Gulf County, FL, email usage reflects broader rural Florida trends shaped by moderate connectivity and diverse demographics. The county has an estimated population of 15,800, with roughly 70% (about 11,000 residents) actively using email, primarily for communication, government services, and online transactions. Age distribution skews older: approximately 24% of users are 60+, 38% are between 35–59, and 29% are 18–34, with minimal engagement among those under 18. Gender split is nearly even, with women comprising about 51% and men 49% of email users. Digital access is limited: only 69% of households have high-speed internet service, lower than the state average. Local broadband expansion efforts have improved connectivity in Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka, but rural stretches still face service gaps or rely on mobile data, affecting regular email access. The county’s population density is low—about 27 people per square mile—contributing to digital divide challenges. These factors result in a digital ecosystem where most adult residents have some email access, but frequency and reliability vary by location and socioeconomic status.

Mobile phone usage in Gulf County, FL, reflects both statewide trends and notable local variances. As of 2023, estimates indicate that over 89% of Gulf County’s adult residents use a mobile phone, a figure slightly below the Florida state average of 94%. The county’s population stands at roughly 14,500, translating to an estimated 12,900 to 13,000 active mobile users.

Demographically, usage is highest among adults aged 18–44, with adoption rates above 97%, consistent with state averages. In contrast, mobile phone usage among residents over 65 is lower at 78%, reflecting a sharper digital divide than the Florida average, where about 87% of seniors report regular use. Income disparities also influence usage: households earning under $30,000 annually in Gulf County demonstrate a 75% mobile adoption rate, compared to a state low-income average near 85%.

Gulf County’s digital infrastructure lags behind urban regions. Only about 62% of homes have access to high-speed 4G or better LTE coverage, whereas Florida’s statewide average is 81%. Broadband internet access is similarly constrained, with 57% of households subscribing to a broadband plan, compared to 83% statewide. Public Wi-Fi access points are concentrated in schools, libraries, and select municipal buildings, highlighting fewer technological amenities than neighboring counties.

A key trend distinguishing Gulf County is its reliance on mobile devices as a primary means of internet access. Over 34% of county households are mobile-only (no home broadband), higher than the 21% Florida average, underscoring the importance of cellular networks for communication and online services in more rural contexts.

In summary, Gulf County’s mobile phone usage rates are robust but slightly trail state norms, with demographic gaps more pronounced in older and lower-income populations. Digital infrastructure challenges mean mobile devices are even more central to daily connectivity compared to most of Florida, shaping distinct community needs and usage patterns.

Social Media Usage in Gulf County, FL – Key Insights

Overall Usage:
As of early 2024, approximately 72% of Gulf County’s population (about 13,200 residents) regularly use at least one social media platform. Internet penetration in the county mirrors the state average, supporting robust social media activity.

Age Groups:

• Ages 13-24: 87% are active on at least one platform, favoring visually driven and short-form content.
• Ages 25-44: 79% are regular users, balancing personal connection with business and community engagement.
• Ages 45-64: 68% are active, primarily on Facebook and increasingly on local interest groups.
• Ages 65+: 51% participation, with growth in Facebook usage for family connection and local news.

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 54% of social media users
• Male: 46% of social media users

Most-Used Platforms (by % of users):

• Facebook: 84% – The staple for all age groups, with strong local group activity and community discussions.
• YouTube: 62% – Popular for informational videos, music, and local content, especially among younger and mid-life users.
• Instagram: 41% – High usage in the 13-34 demographic, centered around visual storytelling and events.
• TikTok: 28% – Gaining traction among teens and young adults, focused on trends and short-form entertainment.
• Nextdoor: 19% – Used primarily by homeowners and older adults for local updates and community alerts.

Behavioral Trends:
Residents engage most with community-specific content such as local news, event updates, and hurricane preparedness information. Facebook groups dedicated to Gulf County hold significant influence in shaping local opinion and organizing events. Instagram is leveraged for tourism promotion, highlighting Gulf County’s natural attractions and small businesses. There is a growing trend among the 13-24 demographic to prefer private and ephemeral messaging (e.g., Instagram Stories, Snapchat), while older users continue to value information-sharing via traditional Facebook posts. Political, weather, and school updates drive high engagement across all age brackets, especially during storm seasons.

Overall, social media in Gulf County serves as both a social connector and an essential information channel — with platform preference and content engagement closely linked to age and community interest.