As one of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida, Fort Pierce has borne witness to the changing tides of history.

Fort Pierce is located in St. Lucie County, Florida. As of the census of 2000, there are 37,516 people, 14,407 households, and 8,817 families residing in the city. The population density is 982.7/km² (2,544.9/mi²). There are 17,170 housing units at an average density of 449.8/km² (1,164.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 49.54% White, 40.85% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.36% from other races, and 3.05% from two or more races. 15.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,407 households out of which 28.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.1% are married couples living together, 19.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% are non-families. 31.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.19.

In the city the population is spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $25,121, and the median income for a family is $29,458. Males have a median income of $21,274 versus $20,012 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,345. 30.9% of the population and 25.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 45.1% of those under the age of 18 and 17.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

The city of Fort Pierce is a historic waterfront city, incorporated in 1901.  As one of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida. Fort Pierce has borne witness to the changing tides of history for over 100 years.  Known for its fishing, canning of fish and pineapple, Fort Pierce's early days began to boom and became the economic hub of the Treasure Coast community with the introduction of Flagler's railway in the 1920's.  Today, the waterfront communities includes a transportation network of Florida's Turnpike, Interstate 95, Highway 70, the St. Lucie County airport and the Port of Fort Pierce.

Fort Pierce has approximately 39,000 residents and encompasses over 20sq miles in a diverse yet neighborly community, which embraces both the richness or heritage and the promise of future growth in St. Lucie County.  With both Mediterranean and Florida "Cracker-style" architecture, Fort Pierce has a varied and colorful history, including military activity during the Seminole War and World War II.  Downtown has numerous historic buildings that have been renovated, such as the P.P. Cobb building which was constructed in 1882, The United States Post Office and City Hall are also interesting to visit.

Many redevelopment and restoration efforts continue to take place, namely the 1923 Sunrise Theatre that will reopen as a 1200 seat regional performing arts center in downtown.  Streetscapes with brick pavers, landscaping and decorative lighting and signage all add to the unique waterfront community.  Downtown affords visitors and resident alike with unique shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

Fort Pierce is home to numerous modern educational and research facilities, like top-ranked Indian River Community College, the $6 million Smithsonian Institute Marine Station, the Manatee Observation and Education Center and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and the St. Lucie County Historical Museum.  The St. Lucie County Airport has seen significant changes over the years including Customs Services and opportunities for international travel.  Several flight training schools are located here as well as other flight related businesses.

The Fort Pierce City Marina is located on the beautiful Indian River in downtown and offers boaters all the amenities of small town life in a peaceful setting.  With the close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean via the Fort Pierce inlet, it affords numerous fishing opportunities for both recreational and commercial fishermen and is a short distance to the Bahamas.  Fishing and boating are a major part of the local economy with several boat companies located in the area. 

Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County continue to lead the State of Florida in grapefruit production.  Several large juice companies are based here, including Tropicana, which recently expanded its juice production storage facility. As it has historically, Fort Pierce continues to be an important part of the Treasure Coast of Florida.

. There are several worthwhile places to visit in Fort Pierce, along with excellent local restaurants, entertainment and lodging choices. The Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area is located on the north shore of the Fort Pierce Inlet. This 340-acre park with sand dunes and a coastal hammock provides swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and picnicking. Savannahs State Park is a semiwilderness area with campsites, a petting zoo, botanical gardens and a boat ramp. Other attractions near Fort Pierce include the UDT Navy Seals Museum, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Jack Island Wildlife Refuge and the St. Lucie County Historical Museum.

Surrounding areas: Jensen Beach, Florida (14 mi), Hutchinson Island, Florida (2 mi), Palm City, Florida (24 mi), Stuart, Florida (20 mi), South Hutchinson Island, Florida (12 mi), Hobe Sound, Florida (24 mi)