Hudson, Florida

Hudson is a place in Pasco County, Florida, in the United States. It is located at the westernmost end of the county and is part of the larger Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Though not a city, Hudson is known as a census-designated place, which means it is a community that the government recognizes for statistical purposes.

In the year 2020, the number of people living in Hudson was counted in a special survey called a census. At that time, Hudson was home to 12,944 people. This helps leaders and planners understand how many families and individuals make Hudson their home and how resources might be needed for schools, parks, and other community services.

History

In 1878, Isaac Hudson moved his family to a quiet, empty area in coastal Pasco County and allowed a post office to be set up in his home. The town grew in the early 1900s when the Fivay Company started cutting lumber and sending it by train to Tampa. When the company closed in 1912, many people turned to fishing or moved away.

Later, in 1950, W.L. Hendry and his sons came from Tampa and started digging inlets near Hudson Springs. They used the dirt to build higher ground for a few houses, which became the Port of Hudson neighborhood. In the 1980s, people began building bigger homes along the canals. Today, while the older waterfront areas are coming back, new homes are being built further inland.

Bayonet Point Hospital was founded in 1981 and was the first hospital built in North West Pasco County, serving people in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.

Geography

Hudson is a place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It has a total area of 6.4 square miles (17 km ²), with almost all of it being land and a tiny bit of water.

Hudson has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Because it is near the Gulf of Mexico, the weather there is influenced by its sea-level elevation. The temperature usually ranges from about 60 °F (16 °C) in winter to around 81 °F (27 °C) in summer.

Demographics

2020 census

According to the 2020 census, Hudson had a population of 12,944 people. The average age of residents was 59.7 years. About 10.5% of the people were younger than 18, and 39.0% were 65 years or older. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males.

Almost all residents, 99.9%, lived in urban areas. There were 6,247 households, with 13.2% having children under 18. Many households were led by married couples, while others had a single person living alone.

2010 census

In the 2010 census, Hudson had 12,158 people. The population density was 2,005.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup was mostly White, with small percentages of Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and people from other races or two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 2.60% of the population.

There were 5,816 households, with 13.8% having children under 18. About half of the households were married couples living together. The average household size was 2.04, and the average family size was 2.47.

The median age was 57 years, and 38.6% of residents were 65 years or older. The median income for a household was $33,177, and for a family, it was $39,708. About 5.5% of families and 9.9% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Education

Hudson has 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.

Elementary schools include Hudson Academy for grades 4-5 and Hudson Primary Academy for grades K-5.

Middle schools are Hudson Academy for grades 6-8 and West Pasco Education Academy - Harry Schwettman Campus for grades 6-8.

High schools are Fivay High School for grades 9-12, Hudson High School for grades 9-12, and West Pasco Education Academy - Harry Schwettman Campus for grades 9-12.

Museums and libraries

Hudson has places where you can learn about history and read books. You can visit the New Port Richey Public Library and the West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library to explore interesting exhibits and books.

Parks and recreation

Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park (Hudson Beach) was built in the 1960s and is the main beach for the Hudson community. Several restaurants nearby offer views of the gulf or nearby canals.

Veterans Memorial Park and Arthur F. Engle Memorial Park serve as important places for sports and recreation, featuring indoor gymnasiums, outdoor fields, and an outdoor pool at Veterans Memorial Park. The area also has three golf courses: Beacon Woods Golf Club, Meadow Oaks Golf & Country Club, and Heritage Pines Country Club.

Notable people

Hudson has been home to several well-known individuals. Bam Bam Bigelow was a famous professional wrestler. Velva Darnell was a popular American country and pop singer. Cody Lane is a stock car racing driver. Amber Mariano served as a politician and was a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. Marie Rudisill was a writer and television personality, and Lindsay Zullo is a footballer.