Bonita Springs is a city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 53,644 at the 2020 census, up from 43,914 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, on the state's southwest coast.
Bonita Springs' history dates back approximately 8,000 years, with evidence of early inhabitants including the Calusa Indians. In the 1870s, the US Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the area, establishing a camp along what is now the Imperial River. This site became known as Survey, and the river was called Surveyor's Creek.
In the 1880s, Braxton Comer bought 6,000 acres around Survey and brought indentured families to work on his plantation. By the early 20th century, developers decided to rename the area Bonita Springs to make it more appealing to settlers and investors. By 1912, streets and avenues were laid out, and the names Survey and Surveyor's Creek were changed to Bonita Springs and the Imperial River, respectively.
The completion of a road to Fort Myers in 1917 and the extension of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's Fort Myers Southern Branch through Bonita Springs to Marco Island in the 1920s spurred significant growth. The Tamiami Trail, completed in 1928, further contributed to this development. During this time, Bonita Springs experienced a land boom, leading to the establishment of citrus groves and various tourist attractions, including the Everglades Wonder Gardens and the Shell Factory.
The advent of air conditioning, the construction of Interstate 75, and the opening of Southwest Florida International Airport in the late 20th century brought more tourists and retirees to Bonita Springs. Today, it is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury golf courses, and a thriving community, attracting both residents and businesses.
Bonita Springs's approximate coordinates are 262059N 814727W / 26.34972N 81.79083W / 26.34972; -81.79083.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 41.0 square miles (of which 35.3 square miles (is land and 5.7 square miles ((is water.
The city is on both Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The area called Bonita Beach is on Little Hickory Island, a road-accessible barrier island that lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. The Imperial River flows through the city's downtown district and empties into Estero Bay.
The city lies in the tropical climate zone, more specifically a tropical monsoon climate (climate classification: Am), having a mean January temperature of 65F (
Hurricane Charley made landfall north of Bonita Springs on August 13, 2004. Hurricane Wilma made landfall south of Bonita Springs on October 24, 2005. On September 910, 2017, Hurricane Irma, at the time a slow-moving Category 3 storm, passed over Florida's southwest coast. The eyewall/eye passed overhead in Bonita Springs. Many structures were damaged or destroyed and the city experienced significant flooding.
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 53,644 people, 24,377 households, and 16,267 families residing in the city.
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 43,914 people, 19,137 households, and 12,917 families residing in the city.
The 2009 estimated median income for a household in the city was $53,452, and the median income for a family was $53,436. Males had a median income of $31,227 versus $25,358 for females. The per capita income for the city was $37,958. About 6.2% of families and 10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those aged 65 or over.
In 2009, 16.7% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.55.
As of 2000, the population density was 929.4 inhabitants per square mile (There were 31,716 housing units at an average density of 661.1 per square mile (2000, the city the population was spread out, with 13.9% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.
Bonita Springs boasts a rich cultural scene with institutions like the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, which offers art classes, exhibitions, and performances. The city hosts several annual events, including the Celebrate Bonita festival and various arts and craft fairs.
The Bonita Springs Historical Society offers walking tours that highlight the citys historical sites, such as the Liles Hotel and the Bonita Springs Elementary School. These tours provide insights into the area's past and its development over the years.
Public art is an integral part of the citys cultural landscape, with numerous sculptures and murals adorning public spaces. The Everglades Wonder Gardens, a historic attraction, continues to draw visitors with its botanical garden and wildlife exhibits.
Bonita Springs is served by the Lee County School District.
Fixed-route bus and trolley service is provided by the Lee County Transit Department, operated as LeeTran.
Seminole Gulf Railway owns and operates a line that passes through the city. The company offers freight service and local, daytime excursions.
Bonita Springs is served by local editions of the Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News.
The metropolitan area is home to 36 radio stations. With an Arbitron-assigned 879,600 listening area population, the metropolitan area of which Bonita Springs is one part ranks 61/274 for the fall of 2013. Arbitron Standard Radio Market: Ft. Myers-Naples-Marco Island.
Nielsen Media Research designated market area: Ft. Myers-Naples.