Citrus County is a county in Florida, United States, on the Gulf coast about 70 miles north of Tampa. It had a population of 153,843 at the 2020 census and covers 773 square miles (2,002 km2), of which 582 square miles (1,510 km2) are land and 192 square miles (500 km2) are water — almost a quarter of the county.
Inverness is the county seat, and its postal code is 34450. Citrus County has 2 incorporated cities, 13 census-designated places, and a dozen more unincorporated communities. The county sits in the Eastern time zone and anchors the Homosassa Springs, Florida metropolitan statistical area.
Towns & Villages in Citrus County
Two cities are incorporated — Crystal River and the county seat, Inverness. Everything else on the list below is either a census-designated place (CDP), which the Census Bureau tracks as a statistical community with no city government, or an unincorporated locality known locally by name but without formal boundaries (Unincorp.).
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inverness | City · seat | 7,210 | 34450 |
| Crystal River | City | 3,167 | 34428 |
| Beverly Hills | CDP | 8,254 | 34465 |
| Citrus Hills | CDP | — | 34442 |
| Citrus Springs | CDP | 10,957 | 34434 |
| Floral City | CDP | 5,313 | 34436 |
| Hernando | CDP | 2,376 | 34442 |
| Homosassa | CDP | — | 34446 |
| Homosassa Springs | CDP | 22,663 | 34446 |
| Inverness Highlands North | CDP | 2,214 | 34453 |
| Inverness Highlands South | CDP | 3,089 | 34452 |
| Lecanto | CDP | 6,102 | 34461 |
| Pine Ridge | CDP | — | 34465 |
| Black Diamond | CDP | — | 34461 |
| Sugarmill Woods | CDP | 8,573 | 34446 |
| Chassahowitzka | Unincorp. | — | 34448 |
| Ozello | Unincorp. | — | 34429 |
| Hooper | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Holder | Unincorp. | — | 34445 |
| Red Level | Unincorp. | — | — |
A few names from older lists (Arlington, Catawba, Citronelle, Cutlers, Jumeau, Landrum, Paradise Point, Pineola) could not be verified against a current gazetteer or Census file and are omitted here rather than repeated on faith.
ZIP Codes
- 34450 — Inverness (also serves Inverness Highlands South)
- 34453 — Inverness Highlands North
- 34428 — Crystal River
- 34429 — Crystal River (also serves Ozello)
- 34434 — Citrus Springs
- 34436 — Floral City
- 34442 — Hernando (also serves Citrus Hills)
- 34446 — Homosassa (also serves Homosassa Springs and Sugarmill Woods)
- 34448 — Chassahowitzka
- 34461 — Lecanto (also serves Black Diamond)
- 34465 — Beverly Hills (also serves Pine Ridge)
Several small unincorporated places, including Hooper and Red Level, share a ZIP with a nearby post office town rather than carrying one of their own.
Geography
Citrus County lies on Florida’s Nature Coast, where the Cross Florida Barge Canal was once planned to cut through on its way to the Gulf. Limestone karst underlies much of the land, feeding the spring-fed Crystal, Homosassa, and Chassahowitzka rivers that reach the Gulf of Mexico along the county’s low, marshy western edge. The interior rises into sandhill terrain around Inverness and the Withlacoochee State Forest.
Citrus County borders Levy County to the northwest, Marion County to the northeast, Sumter County to the east, and Hernando County to the south.
Demographics
The county’s population was 153,843 at the 2020 census. Homosassa Springs is the largest single community at 22,663 residents, followed by Citrus Springs at 10,957. Citrus County’s median household income runs below the Florida median of $73,311, reflecting a population skewed toward retirees on fixed incomes. Population density is roughly 264 people per square mile of land.
Economy & Local Life
Healthcare, retail, and tourism drive the local economy, anchored by HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness and the manatee-watching trade centered on Crystal River and Homosassa Springs, both fed by spring water that stays near 72°F year-round. Duke Energy’s Crystal River Energy Complex, a former nuclear and coal generating site now largely decommissioned, has long been a major area employer. Citrus County also draws golf and retirement communities, particularly around Citrus Hills and Sugarmill Woods.
History
Citrus County was created in 1887 out of Hernando County and named for the citrus groves that dominated the local economy at the time. Freezes in the winters of 1894–95 wiped out most of the citrus industry, pushing the county toward phosphate mining, fishing, and later tourism. Crystal River’s springs and archaeological mounds have drawn visitors since the early 20th century.
Getting There
US 19/98 runs north–south along the coast and US 41 through the interior; the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589) extends into the county’s south end toward Tampa.
- Tampa — 70 miles south
- Ocala — 35 miles northeast
- Gainesville — 55 miles north
- Orlando — 90 miles southeast
The nearest commercial airport is Tampa International Airport; Crystal River Airport and Inverness Airport serve general aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Citrus County?
It is on Florida’s Gulf coast, roughly 70 miles north of Tampa, bordered by Levy, Marion, Sumter, and Hernando counties.
What is the population of Citrus County?
153,843 as of the 2020 census.
How big is Citrus County?
773 square miles (2,002 km2) total, including 192 square miles of water.
What is the county seat of Citrus County?
Inverness is the county seat.
How many towns and communities are in Citrus County?
Two incorporated cities (Inverness and Crystal River), 13 census-designated places, and several smaller unincorporated communities.
What ZIP codes are in Citrus County?
Main ZIPs include 34450 (Inverness), 34428/34429 (Crystal River), 34446 (Homosassa), 34434 (Citrus Springs), and 34465 (Beverly Hills), among others.
Why is it called Citrus County?
It was named for the citrus groves that were the region’s dominant crop when the county was created in 1887, before hard freezes in 1894–95 devastated the industry.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Florida.