SWCD

District Location and Boundaries

Indian River County, Florida. Nearly two-thirds of the total land area of the district is west of I-95, however, more than 90% of the population resides in the eastern third of the county. According to the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research 2010 Census, the population of Indian River County is 138,028 with a projected population of 179,400 for the year 2030. The unincorporated area has a population of 91,363 while of the municipalities, Sebastian has the largest population - 21,929, Vero Beach – 15,223, Fellsmere - 5,197, and finally, the smallest municipalities, Indian River Shores and Town of Orchid, make up the balance of the population. District Map

The land along the western boundary of the county is used primarily for range and pastureland with residential development. To the east of that area is the St. Johns Marsh, a large freshwater marsh extending the entire length of the county. Included in this significant wetland is the 6,000 acre Blue Cypress Lake. And the land between the marsh and I-95 is devoted primarily to agriculture. Much of this land is drained marshland now used for citrus or pasture. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) 2017 Census of Agriculture for Indian River County; there are 182,559 acres in some form of agricultural production. There are 183 farms in Indian River County with an estimated market value per farm of $ 2,330,717. There are 55,459 acres of cropland, including 7 farms (withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual farms). Citrus was the major crop in the district with 96 farms having a total 39,749 acres in production. Wild hay and silage are produced on 12 farms with a total 746 acres. There are 217 farms with a total inventory of 20,334 cattle and calves, and 54 farms with 1,233 poultry layers and pullets. Future Land Use Element