Total county population reached just over 13,000 in late 1997, and is projected to be 13,500 by 1999. The majority of the residential growth is occurring in the Old Town area, 10 miles east of Cross City. The natural hammock lands, access to rivers and springs, together with the ability to commute to surrounding areas for hospitals, shopping, and cultural events, draws many residents from metropolitan areas of the country to Dixie County.

The entire southern portion of Dixie County borders on the Gulf of Mexico, and includes several small settlements. Steinhatchee to the north offers excellent fishing, hunting, water activities, restaurants and lodgings. The town of Horseshoe Beach, 18 miles south of Cross City, is home to about 300 local residents, many of whom make their living from the Gulf waters. At the mouth of the Suwannee River is the town of Suwannee, a year-round haven for fishermen and a host of nature related activities as well as home for about 400 residents. Much of the county remains in a natural state, making it conducive to all types of eco-tourism activities such as canoeing, diving, hiking, biking, bird-watching and just enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

The largest industries are timber related, with state and local governments also major employers. The school system includes three schools in Cross City, consisting of a high school with about 600 students, the new middle school with 500 students and an adjacent elementary school with 700 students, with another 600 students attending the Old Town elementary. Our vocational facility offers high school students the opportunity to pursue careers in health care, automotive, welding, agriculture and business. Lake City Community College supports a distance learning lab and numerous college courses in the area.

There are several public parks that are primarily centered around natural springs and rivers, where water activities are abundant. The fall of the year brings avid hunters to the area for turkey, deer and wild hogs.

Dixie County has several doctors, a dentist and an optometrist. There are also excellent health care facilities of all types in the surrounding areas. A regional shopping mall is located in Gainesville, just under 50 miles to the east. Gainesville also has a museum, center for performing arts, a community college and a major university. Chiefland, located 21 miles to the south-east, is the regional shopping and dining mecca for most county residents.

The county is governed by a County Commission, and the incorporated towns of Cross City and Horseshoe Beach with their respective city councils.

The Dixie County Chamber is committed to the development of business opportunities in Dixie County. A designated Enterprise Zone together with an available labor force makes our county an ideal location for many types of industry.

Each spring our Red Belly Day is held on the banks of the Suwannee River with games, contests, crafts, beauty pageant and entertainment. In December, the Chamber hosts "Christmas in the Park" with games, food and prizes for all children of the county. We invite you to visit Dixie County, and stay a lifetime.