Williston, Florida

Williston is a city in Levy County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Nature Coast. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 2,976, up from 2,768 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The city was established before 1885 by J. M. Willis, who named it after himself.

Geography
Williston is located at 29.38694°N, -82.44667°W (29.386811, –82.446706).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.5 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 0.27%, is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Williston has a humid subtropical climate zone, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,976 people, 937 households, and 590 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,768 people, 1,184 households, and 763 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,297 people, 836 households, and 580 families residing in the city. The population density was 379.0 PD/sqmi. There were 915 housing units at an average density of 151.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.44% White, 22.81% African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.44% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.57% of the population.

In 2000, there were 836 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 22.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $25,795, and the median income for a family was $26,918. Males had a median income of $22,331 versus $20,634 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,628. About 22.4% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.1% of those under age 18 and 22.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Williston hosts the Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival every October.

Devil's Den and Blue Grotto
Williston is home to Devil's Den and Blue Grotto, popular diving spots and part of the extensive underground spring system present in the area.

Kentucky Derby
Williston is the birthplace of Foolish Pleasure, winner of the 1975 Kentucky Derby.

Major roads




Railroads
Passenger rail service was previously available at the Williston Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot as well as the Seaboard Air Line Railroad depot. Since 2004, the depot is only served by Amtrak's Thruway Motorcoach service to Jacksonville and Lakeland.

Florida Northern Railroad's West Coast Subdivision provides freight rail service through Willison.

Aviation
The area includes Williston Municipal Airport (X60), a city-owned, public-use airport located two nautical miles (4 km) southwest of the central business district of Williston.

Education
School Board of Levy County operates public schools:
 * Williston High School (6–12)
 * Williston Elementary School (3–5)
 * Joyce Bullock Elementary School (PK–2)

Library
Levy County provides Williston with a local library branch. The Williston Public Library is located in the former, historic Perkins State Bank; one of Florida's oldest banks.