Monticello is the only city and the county seat of Jefferson County, Florida, United States. The city is named after Monticello, the estate of the county's namesake, Thomas Jefferson, on which the Jefferson County Courthouse was modeled. The population was 2,589 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Tallahassee, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Monticello is home to Indian mounds and many historic buildings, including the Perkins Opera House and Monticello Old Jail Museum.

History and culture

The Perkins Opera House is a 19th-century mercantile building adapted for use as a theater. It regularly hosts musical performances and theater productions. The first-floor ballroom also holds receptions. Howard Academy built in 1936 served African American students. It is on Mamie B. Scott Drive, named for Mamie B. Scott. In 1960 a school for African American students was built in southeastern Monticello. It was later also named Howard Academy. Schools in Monticello integrated in 1967. Old Howard Academy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

Historic sites

Geography

Monticello is located in northern Jefferson County at 30.54461°N, -83.86732°W. U.S. Route 90 runs through the center of the city as Washington Street, leading east 16 mi to Greenville and west 26 mi to Tallahassee. U.S. Route 19 passes through the city center on Jefferson Street, leading south 10 mi to Capps and north 22 mi to Thomasville, Georgia. The two highways meet in the center of Monticello at Courthouse Circle, which surrounds the Jefferson County Courthouse. US-19 leads south from the courthouse 5 mi to Interstate 10 at Exit 225. I-10 leads west 25 mi to Tallahassee and east 82 mi to Lake City. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.3 km2, all land.

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 Monticello has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Monticello is the site of the highest temperature recorded in Florida, 109 F on June 29, 1931.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,589 people, 1,120 households, and 711 families residing in the city. In 2020, the median household income was $43,780. 27.3% of the population 25 years and older had a Bachelor's Degree or higher. There was a 49.2% employment rate. There were 1,323 housing units. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,506 people, 770 households, and 559 families residing in the city.

Notable people

Education

Jefferson County Schools operates public schools, including Jefferson County Middle / High School.