Balm, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balm, Florida
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Location of Balm in Hillsborough County, Florida.
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 Balm, Florida
Location in Florida
Balm, Florida
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Hillsborough |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.16 sq mi (26.31 km2) |
| • Land | 10.05 sq mi (26.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.10 sq mi (0.27 km2) |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,541 |
| • Density | 650.52/sq mi (251.17/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
33503
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| Area code(s) | 813 |
| FIPS code | 12-03375 |
| GNIS feature ID | 294664 |
Balm is a small community in Florida, United States. It is located in Hillsborough County. Balm is called a "census-designated place" because it's a special area defined for counting people. In 2020, about 6,541 people lived there.
Contents
History of Balm
Balm got its start as a small settlement in the early 1900s.
Early Days and the Railroad
A post office opened in 1902. It was first named "Doric" but quickly changed to "Balm". People thought the air felt "balmy" or pleasant, which is how the town got its name.
Before the post office, the Seaboard Air Line Railway made Balm a "flag stop". This meant trains would only stop if someone waved a flag to get on or off. The railroad built a small station and a water tank. This made Balm an important spot for the area.
Growth of the Community
By 1911, a small community grew around the train stop. It included a blacksmith, sawmills for cutting wood, a teacher, and a general store. This shows how important the railroad was for the town's development.
In 1937, electricity came to Balm, making life easier for residents. Soon after, a community telephone was set up in a barn for everyone to use. By 1945, the population of Balm had grown to over a thousand people.
Geography of Balm
Balm is located in the southern part of Hillsborough County. It is surrounded by other communities.
Location and Nearby Towns
To the north of Balm is Riverview. Apollo Beach is to the west. Sun City Center is to the southwest, and Wimauma is to the south.
U.S. Route 301 runs along Balm's western edge. This major road goes north about 12 miles to the edge of Tampa. It also goes southwest about 28 miles to Bradenton.
Size and Land Area
Balm covers a total area of about 10.16 square miles (26.3 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. About 10.05 square miles (26.04 square kilometers) is land. A small part, about 0.10 square miles (0.27 square kilometers), is water.
People of Balm (Demographics)
Understanding demographics helps us learn about the people who live in a place.
Population and Households
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 6,541 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the 2020 United States Census, Balm had a population of 6,541 people. There were 1,592 households in the area. On average, about 3.17 people lived in each household.
Diversity and Age
The community of Balm is diverse. About 39.6% of the people were white. Around 36.1% were black or African American. About 1.5% were Asian. Also, 8.6% identified as two or more races. About 19.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Looking at age groups, 8.4% of the population was under 5 years old. About 27.9% were under 18 years old. This means many young people and families live in Balm. About 8.4% of the population was 65 years or older. Slightly more than half, 54.4%, of the population were female.
Homes and Income
Most homes in Balm are owned by the people who live in them. About 89.8% of homes were owner-occupied. The average value of these homes was around $237,800.
For those with a mortgage, the average monthly housing cost was about $1,723. For those without a mortgage, it was about $547. The average rent for homes was about $1,824 per month.
Most households in Balm have access to technology. About 99.4% of homes had a computer. Also, 97.3% of homes had a broadband internet connection. The average household income in Balm was $96,406. The income per person was about $29,638. About 7.2% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Education in Balm
Education levels in Balm are good. About 91.4% of people aged 25 and older had graduated from high school or had a higher degree. Also, 26.9% of people in that age group had a Bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy of Balm
Balm's economy has changed over time. It started with railroads and logging. Today, it focuses mainly on farming.
Main Industries
Farming is very important in Balm, especially growing citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
The University of Florida has a special program in Balm. It focuses on breeding new types of tomatoes. This helps farmers grow better tomatoes.
Research and Other Industries
In 2005, two research centers joined together. They formed the Gulf Coast Research and Experiment Center (GCREC). This center is now located in Balm. Scientists at GCREC also research hops, which are used to make beer.
Another important industry in the area is tropical fish farming. Many businesses in Balm raise colorful fish for aquariums.
See also
- In Spanish: Balm para niños
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