Washington County, located in the Florida Panhandle, remains one of the state’s smaller and more rural counties.
As of mid-2026, its estimated population stands at approximately 26,932, reflecting modest but steady growth of about 0.89% annually in recent years and roughly 5.4% since the 2020 Census (when it was 25,318).
The county spans about 585 square miles, yielding a low density of around 43–46 people per square mile.
Demographically, it is characterized by a predominantly White population, a slightly older median age than the national average, a high rate of homeownership, and income levels below both state and national medians—typical of many non-coastal, inland Florida counties.
County-Wide Demographics
- Population and Growth: July 1, 2025 Census estimate was 26,695; 2026 projections hover near 26,932. The county has seen gradual increases driven by domestic migration and natural growth, though it lags behind Florida’s overall faster urbanization.
- Age and Sex: Median age is approximately 41.7 years (higher than the U.S. average). About 19.4% of residents are under 18, 18.8% are 65 or older, and 5.2% are under 5. Females make up 45.9% of the population (a notably lower share than the state average, possibly influenced by institutional populations).
- Race and Ethnicity: White alone: 80.3%; Black or African American alone: 13.9%; American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.5%; Asian: 0.8%; Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%; Two or more races: 3.2%. Hispanic or Latino (any race): 4.4%. Non-Hispanic White: 76.9%. The population remains less diverse than Florida as a whole.
- Households and Housing: There are roughly 9,287 households with an average size of 2.46 persons. About 80% of housing units are owner-occupied (median home value ~$171,000). Median gross rent is $888.
- Income and Economy: Median household income (2020–2024 ACS, in 2024 dollars) is $58,210; per capita income is $27,434. Poverty rate is 14.9%. These figures are significantly below Florida’s medians (~$74,568 household; $42,609 per capita).
- Other Notes: High school graduation rate (age 25+) is 84.3%; bachelor’s degree or higher is 11.5%. Civilian labor force participation is 46.6%. About 17% of those under 65 lack health insurance.
The county includes five incorporated municipalities—Chipley (the county seat), Vernon, Wausau, Caryville, and Ebro—plus unincorporated areas.
These small towns account for roughly 20–25% of the total population and exhibit distinct local variations in demographics, often tied to their size, history, and economic bases (e.g., agriculture, small business, or proximity to regional amenities).
Chipley (County Seat)
Chipley is the largest and most populous municipality, serving as the economic and administrative hub. Its 2026 estimated population is 3,824 (up from ~3,669 in 2020 and ~3,750 in 2024).
- Race/Ethnicity: White ~57.91%; Black or African American ~35.08%; two or more races ~5.29%; other race ~1.71%.
- Age: Median age 37.9 years (males 32.6; females 41.4).
- Income and Poverty: Median household income $46,193 (families $66,587; married families $93,438). Poverty rate ~12.66%.
Chipley shows greater racial diversity than the county average and a younger median age, with solid homeownership and family-oriented households.
Vernon
Vernon, a small town southwest of Chipley, had a 2026 estimated population of 759 (up modestly from 726 in 2020).
- Race/Ethnicity: White ~64.54%; Black or African American ~14.72%; other race ~7.36%; two or more races ~7.61%; Native American ~5.28%. worldpopulationreview.com
- Age: Median age 37.1 years (males 30.7; females 46.3). worldpopulationreview.com
- Income and Poverty: Median household income $43,194 (families $51,607; married families $75,000). Poverty rate ~27.85% (higher than county average). worldpopulationreview.com
Vernon reflects a mixed racial profile with a notable Native American presence and elevated poverty, possibly linked to its rural character.
Wausau
Wausau, one of the smallest towns, is projected at 397 residents in 2026 (up from 375 in 2020).
- Race/Ethnicity: White ~81.25%; two or more races ~10%; Black or African American ~7.5%; Asian ~1.25%. worldpopulationreview.com
- Age: Median age 47.9 years (older than county average; males 48.2; females 47.4). worldpopulationreview.com
- Income and Poverty: Median household income $32,500 (lowest among the municipalities; families $53,542). Poverty rate ~31.87% (highest).
Wausau’s older population and lower incomes highlight challenges in this very small, rural community.
Caryville
Caryville, south of Chipley, has an estimated 2026 population of 325.
- Race/Ethnicity: White (non-Hispanic) ~85.44%; Black ~9.71%; two or more races ~4.53%.
- Age: Median age 26.1 years (notably young; males 22.7; females 26.6). worldpopulationreview.com
- Income and Poverty: Median household income $62,292 (above county median; families $87,773). Poverty rate ~23.62%.
Caryville stands out for its youthful population and relatively higher household incomes.
Ebro
Ebro, the smallest incorporated place, is projected at 251 residents in 2026.
- Race/Ethnicity: White ~82.53%; two or more races ~10.04%; Native American ~6.11%; Black ~1.31%.
- Age: Median age 35.6 years (males 35.8; females 34.5).
- Income and Poverty: Median household income $78,036 (highest among the towns; families $87,321; married families $101,000). Poverty rate ~5.68% (lowest).
Ebro benefits from higher incomes and low poverty, with a slightly elevated Native American share.
Summary and Context
Washington County and its municipalities exemplify rural Florida demographics: strong homeownership, lower educational attainment and incomes compared to urban/coastal areas, and limited racial/ethnic diversity outside Chipley.
Variations among the towns reflect local economies and histories—Chipley as the diverse hub, smaller communities like Wausau facing economic pressures, and outliers like Caryville and Ebro showing younger or more prosperous profiles.
Data are drawn primarily from U.S. Census Bureau estimates (2024–2025) and American Community Survey (2020–2024), with 2026 projections.
For the most current figures, official sources like the Census Bureau or Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) remain authoritative. These trends suggest continued slow growth amid Florida’s broader population boom.
