Geography

The City of North Port occupies 103 square miles of southeast Sarasota County midway between the cities of Sarasota and Fort Myers, near the Gulf of Mexico. North Port is one of the largest Florida cities in land area but is only 10 percent populated - plenty of room for growth!

Climate

Although, North Port is inland, our weather is influenced by the Gulf of Mexico. The average annual temperature of 76 degrees makes year-round living a pleasure, and the City is host to many seasonal residents as well.

Transportation

North Port encompasses fourteen miles of Interstate I-75 within its boundaries. It has two international airports within 45 minutes making, the City accessible to most major markets.

Population

The City of North Port's population for 2006, as estimated by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida, was 47,770. By 2008, the City projects North Port's population will range from 48,556 to 51,738.

Since 1980, North Port's population has grown 120%, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Florida and insuring businesses plenty of workers and consumers, now and in the future. The following is the history of population growth in North Port:

YEAR       POPULATION
1960           178 (US Census)
1970           2,244 (US Census)
1980           6,205 (US Census)
1990          11,973*
1993          13,591*
1994          14,282*
1995          15,161*
1996          15,905*
1997          16,708*
1998          17,672*
1999          18,749*
2000          22,797 (US Census)
2001          25,234*
2002          27,448*
2003          31,352*
2004          35,721*
2005          40,100

*Estimates provided by the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR)

NOTE:  The figures above represent the City's estimated residential population.  Seasonal population can represent up to 30% increase over resident population numbers.

Environment

North Port has an unspoiled natural environment where wildlife flourish among 95 miles of freshwater canals.  North Port is also the only city in Florida that contains a state forest (Myakka State Forest) within its corporate boundaries.

Recreation

North Port offers a multitude of recreational opportunities such as golfing, fishing, horseback riding and canoeing.

Utilities

North Port owns its water and wastewater utilities, providing reliable, low-cost services.

Education

North Port is served by a top-notch public school system, a community college less than 5 miles away and three four-year institutions with a 60-mile radius.

Taxes and Fees

North Port offers some of the lowest development fees in the state and some of the lowest property taxes in the Southwest Florida region.

Employment

Over the years North Port has consistently had a healthy and growing economy with the unemployment rate remaining below 5% annually.

Construction

Residential building permits increased from an average 30 per month in 1993 to 36 per month in 1994, a 20% increase and a sure sign of continued growth and prosperity.

Government

North Port is a fiscally conservative city dedicated to providing excellent services at a low cost.