Collier County is on the Florida Gulf Coast. It consists of 5,246.02 square kilometerskm2 (2,025.5 square miles) making it the largest land mass county east of the Mississippi River. The climate of Collier County is sub-tropical, with a strong marine influence from the Gulf of Mexico. The average temperature is approximately 24 degrees Celsius (75 F), with January having an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius (67 F), and in June an average of 28 degrees Celsius (82 F). Rainfall averages 137 centimeters (54 inches) annually with most of the precipitation occurring during the summer months. This climate makes Collier County an excellent recreational, residential and agricultural area.
The county's growth in the last few years is clearly evident by looking at our population. From 1970's population of 38,040 the county has grown to 251,377 in 2000. While the state of Florida has grown 33%, Collier County has grown 77%. Our median age is 40.7 years compared to the state's 32.9 years.
The County has within its borders an estimated 113 kilometers (70 miles) of Interstate highway, 235 kilometers (146 miles) of state secondary highway, 201 kilometers (125 miles) of county secondary highway and 2,575 kilometers (1,600 miles) of county residential roadways. These roadways connect a variety of social, recreational, and educational opportunities.
Collier County was created in 1923 from Lee County. It was named for Barron Collier, a New York City advertising mogul and real estate developer.
