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The major ecological communities within Indian River County are identified as follows: • South Florida Coastal Strand • Sand Pine/Xeric Scrub • South Florida Flatwoods • Tropical/Coastal Hammocks • Freshwater Wetlands • Indian River Lagoon and Associated Estuarine Wetlands • Near shore Atlantic Ocean Of particular concern are those ecological communities located in the eastern portion of the county, where development pressures conflict with the preservation of diminishing habitats. Tropical hammock communities and coastal scrub communities are examples of habitats found almost exclusively in Florida that are in danger of disappearing or being drastically reduced, along with their unique flora and fauna. A balance of natural system preservation and the rights of property owners to develop land is an important issue to be considered as county population and development growth continues. C. DEMOGRAPHICS With a 2009 estimated total resident and seasonal population of 135,167 (U.S. Census Bureau Indian River County Quick Facts) Indian River County ranks as one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Florida. The county is supported by an economy based primarily on tourism, light industry, and agriculture. Area wise, this provides approximately 268 persons per square mile throughout the entire county. However, the majority of the County's population resides within the eastern ten miles of the County, or approximately 600 persons per square mile. A chart representing the estimated* population centers in the county is attached to this document and identified as Figure 5. Additional statistics reveal that much of the immigrating population has produced a median age in the County that is nearly ten years greater than that of the median age of the United States. Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 47