Crescent City is a city in Putnam County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 Census, its population was 1,654, up from 1,577 at the 2010 census. The city is located on two lakes and is part of the Palatka, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Crescent City was first settled by non-indigenous people in 1852, and was then known as "Old Oliver Plantation" until it was platted as "Crescent City" in 1876. The City of Crescent City was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1883, and formally incorporated as a city two years later, in 1885. A. Philip Randolph, the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City in 1889. Randolph would become a prominent civil rights leader, especially during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Randolph Street in Crescent City is named after this influential figure. Crescent City has two listings on the National Register of Historic Places, Hubbard House and the Crescent City Historic District. Eagle's Nest Grove in Crescent City is the oldest continuous organic citrus grove in Florida.

Geography

The approximate coordinates for the City of Crescent City is located in North Central Florida at 29.43619°N, -81.51383°W. The city is located between two lakes, Crescent Lake lies to the east of the city, and Stella Lake is located to the west. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.1 sqmi, of which 1.8 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (14.02%) is water.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Crescent City has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,654 people, 745 households, and 372 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,577 people, 751 households, and 463 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,776 people, 678 households, and 435 families residing in the city. The population density was 968.6 PD/sqmi. There were 846 housing units at an average density of 461.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 57.32% White, 34.46% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 5.74% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.53% of the population. In 2000, there were 678 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.12. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $22,500, and the median income for a family was $28,913. Males had a median income of $26,786 versus $15,887 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,767. About 24.5% of families and 27.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.2% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Crescent City is governed by a mayor and a five-member city council and is a council-manager government. As of 2024, the mayor is Michele Myers, the vice mayor is H. Harry Banks, and the commission members are Cynthia Burton, Lisa Kane DeVitto, and William "B.J." Laurie. As of 2024, the town manager is Charles Rudd, and the town clerk is Karen Hayes.

Education

The public school within the city limits is Crescent City High School.

Library

Crescent City Library is served by the Putnam County Library System.