Niceville is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States, located near Eglin Air Force Base on Boggy Bayou that opens into Choctawhatchee Bay. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,772 at the 2020 census, up from 12,749 at the 2010 census.

History

When mail service began on July 21, 1868, the city was known as Boggy, and on November 5, 1910, the name was officially changed to Niceville. The name Niceville was selected by the postmaster's daughter. In 1915, Niceville became part of newly formed Okaloosa County after previously being in Walton County. It is a twin city along with Valparaiso, which borders it on the west side of the city.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 sqmi, of which 10.9 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi is water.

Climate

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,772 people, 5,454 households, and 4,153 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,749 people, 5,245 households, and 3,933 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of census of 2000, there were 11,684 people, 4,637 households, and 3,385 families living in the city. The population density was 1,069.8 PD/sqmi. There were 4,907 housing units at an average density of 449.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.25% White, 4.58% African American, 0.74% Native American, 3.20% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.14% from other races, and 2.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.71% of the population. Of the 4,637 households in 2000, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 21.8% of households were one person and 7.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.89. In 2000, the age distribution was 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males. In 2000, the median household income was $45,685 and the median family income was $51,627. Males had a median income of $34,583 versus $20,987 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,175. About 7.2% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

Arts and culture

The Boggy Fest, previously known as the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, was held annually in Niceville.

Notable people