According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.8 square miles (17.5 km²), of which 0.019 square miles (0.05 km²), or 0.27%, is water.

Demographics

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 inhabitants per square mile (146.3/km²). There were 915 housing units at an average density of 151.0 per square mile (58.3/km²). 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.

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 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.

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

The area includes Two Tails Ranch, an exotic animal refuge specializing in elephants. Kirby Family Farm, an educational farm open to the public, is also in the Williston area and features the Great America Railway, its own 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railroad for its guests to enjoy.

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.

Transportation

The area includes Williston Municipal Airport (X60) and Foss Foam Products of Florida, a sailboat manufacturing company that produces more rudders than any other company in the United States.