Florida lakes are absolutely stunning. From expansive lakes to the smaller hidden gems, these lakes offer endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation However, even these stunning bodies of water are not immune to pollution. Many of them are sadly experiencing heavy contamination. From industrial contaminants, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage to plastic, and various types of garbage.
AZ Animals compiled a list of the ten most polluted lakes in the U.S. According to the site, humans discharge approximately 80% of the world’s wastewater back into the environment, largely untreated, polluting rivers, lakes, and seas.
Which Florida lake rank among the most polluted?
Florida is home to a massive freshwater lake known as Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately, this lake has earned itself the number two spot for most polluted lakes in the U.S. According to the website, Florida's waters have been plagued by stormwater pollution and algal blooms fueled by the runoff of fertilizers for quite some time. It also said the state has the most acres of lakes that are too contaminated for swimming or healthy aquatic life. As a result, the water in these areas can contain elevated levels of fecal matter and other bacteria, posing health risks to humans. Additionally, the presence of low oxygen levels and other pollutants can have detrimental effects on fish and other aquatic species.
In 2021, the state of Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were busy making changes to fix up Lake Okeechobee. They had an excellent plan to increase the amount of water the lake could hold by working on the area north of it. They wanted to improve the lake's water levels.
Where is the most polluted lake in the U.S.?
In Central New York, you'll find Onondaga Lake, which holds a rather unfortunate title: the most polluted lake in the United States. This lake is one of the most polluted in the nation and ranks among the most contaminated lakes worldwide.
See the full study and ranking here.
Collier County Is The 2nd Richest County In Florida – Glades Is The Poorest
All the wealth in Miami can't stack up to the riches of Naples and Collier County. In fact, only one county beats out Collier in this Overall Wealth Index Study from financial technology company SmartAsset. That county is home to the Florida Keys, Monroe County.
The company created their index by adding up three key metrics. Investment income, property value, and per capita income. Of the 67 counties in Florida, Glades County, home to Moore Haven and Palmdale finished last. According to the study, Glades County residents Median Income is $38.088. Investment Income is $20,804. And a Median Home value of $235,335. Investment income defined as Ordinary Dividends, Qualified Dividends, and Net Capital Gains. With 18.80% of the residents 65 or older Glades could be considered fairly young for Florida.
Sticking to our Southwest Florida area, Lee County ranked in as the 17th richest county in Florida. There's definitely some money in Fort Myers. I do wonder if the data accounts for the destruction on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Cape Coral still has a lot of blue tarps up, too.
Just to the north, Charlotte County ranks as the 26th richest county.
On a National level, the four richest counties in the country are all in California. San Mateo County is number one on the list. A Median Income of $136,837. Investment Income of $149,818. And a Median Home Value of $1,495,191. I really don't know how anyone can afford to live in the Bay Area of California. I can barely make my Estero, Florida mortgage payment.
Here's the 10 Wealthiest Counties in Florida. Data provided by SmartAsset.
10. Sumter County
Sumter County ranks 10th in the state with a median income of $63,323, investment income of $37,116, and median home value of $407,525. Their Overall Wealth Index is 25.20. Sumter County has the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older—at 55.6%. Blame that on "The Villages".
9. Seminole County
Seminole County ranks 9th in the state with a median income of $73,002, investment income of $37,534, and median home value of $395,298. Their Overall Wealth Index is 25.91. Just outside of Orlando, Sanford is the biggest city in this county.
8. Sarasota County
Sarasota County ranks 8th in the state with a median income of $69,490, investment income of $82,509, and median home value of $460,560. Their Overall Wealth Index is 26.09. Sarasota, North Port, Bradenton.
7. Broward County
Broward County ranks 7th in the state with a median income of $64,522, investment income of $62,691, and median home value of $414,387. Their Overall Wealth Index is 26.73. Fort Lauderdale and surrounding area.
6. Martin County
Martin County ranks 6th in the state with a median income of $69,769, investment income of $155,692, and median home value of $460,905. Their Overall Wealth Index is 27.63. Martin County is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in Florida.
5. Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County ranks 5th in the state with a median income of $68,874, investment income of $149,636, and median home value of $458,834. Their Overall Wealth Index is 28.29. Sticking on the east coast, this is the wealthy West Palm and Boca area.
4. Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County ranks 4th in the state with a median income of $57,815, investment income of $119,023, and median home value of $479,969. Their Overall Wealth Index is 28.66. The biggest county in Florida, and one of the richest.
3. St. Johns County
St. Johns County ranks 3rd in the state with a median income of $88,794, investment income of $62,320, and median home value of $515,056. Their Overall Wealth Index is 32.06. St. Augustine is here. Like many parts of Florida, traffic is becoming a mess as more people move here.
2. Collier County
Collier County ranks 2nd in the state with a median income of $75,543, investment income of $196,655, and median home value of $594,299. Their Overall Wealth Index is 33.04. Naples money. And alligators.
1. Monroe County
Monroe County ranks 1st in the state with a median income of $73,153, investment income of $221,843, and median home value of $957,819. Their Overall Wealth Index is 50.38. The Florida Keys. The median home value is what sets them on top.
And bonus: 17. Lee County
Lee County ranks 17th in the state with a median income of $63.235, investment income of $83.885, and median home value of $375,449. The hurricane probably knocked us back a bit. With the building going on I could see Lee County in the top 10 within a few years.
